Dokubo, Ibinabo, monarchs: PDP will be history after March 28

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got a hard knock at the weekend as the representative of the Amayanabo of Ido Town, Rivers State, Chief Igbikioyibo Dokubo, declared that the party would become history in the South-South state after the March 28 and April 11 presidential elections.
The chief made the declaration when the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, paid him and the Council of Chiefs a courtesy call during his ward congress in Ido and adjoining communities.
“Your Excellency, we have to thank you for coming here today. It shows that you care about us. This is the first time a governorship candidate will be coming to see us. We appreciate and we are also grateful to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for supporting a worthy successor.
“Let me use this opportunity to say that we the Riverine people are grateful to Amaechi for fighting for us. Most of Amaechi’s battle is for us in the Riverine, we know it and we appreciate our able governor. He has shown beyond doubt that he is a man who believes in justice and equity”.
“Therefore, we will vote massively for APC come March 28 and we will ensure that there is no PDP in this area after that date. APC has done a lot for us, so it will amount to ingratitude if we fail to reciprocate. We bless you Your Excellency because God’s favour is on you”.
Similarly, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the local government, Ibinabo Dawari, pledged the total support of sons and daughters of Ido, promising to deliver all the wards to the APC.
In his response, Peterside thanked the people of Ido for their support and promised to be fair to every part of Rivers State. He told them that government should be for every part of the state, irrespective of size or location, adding that his government will serve both the majority and the minority tribes.
He also thanked them for appreciating the battles and sacrifices of Amaechi for Riverine people and promised to convey their sentiments to the governor.
In a related development, the Amayanabo of Krakrama, King Iwari Gibson Bala, also blessed the APC candidate.
The monarch, who played host to Peterside at his palace, told him that the six communities that make up Krakrama ward are strongly behind him and the APC.
He also prophesied that Peterside will be governor on May 29 based on the massive support and goodwill he enjoys across the state.
Also, the Amayanabo of Abalama, King Atkinson Bigtomtom, thanked Peterside for coming personally to seek their cooperation and votes in the coming elections.
He described Dakuku Peterside as a man of peace.
“I am indeed happy today and it is my pleasure to see a young man like you as a candidate running for the office of governor in Rivers State. I am confident that you will bring to government, the needed energy and a sound mind and body into the service of our state. Every person say you are a man of peace.
“Many are called but as they say, few are chosen. We know God is with you and I pray that nothing disturbs your movement. And may the blessing of God crown your efforts with success”.
The monarch also praised the APC and Amaechi for the infrastructural development in his community and the recognition of Abalama kingship stool by the Amaechi led-government.
Though the royal father revealed that the community had already immortalised the governor with a street named after him, he declared that they will always support Amaechi because of his love for them.
He expressed confidence in Peterside whom he described as a popular candidate who is loved by many, especially the youth and women.
He, therefore, assured Peterside of the community’s support.