File photo: Magnus Abe
The lawmaker representing Rivers South-east senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has declared his intention to contest the next governorship election in the state.
Abe, a senator on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared his interest on Wednesday while addressing a mammoth crowd at an event in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He explained that rationale behind his decision to run for the governorship position was in the interest of the future of the state, adding that he had made all necessary consultations.
“I have taken all these views into consideration. I have also consulted my family and most importantly, I have consulted my God. There are several persons who have advised me against seeking for the office of the governor just as there are several who have advised me to go for it. Looking back now, everybody who had spoken to me did so with the best of intentions,” the lawmaker said.
“Having taken all these into consideration, I, Magnus Ngei Dunebari Abe, I have decided to seek the nomination of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State, in the interest of our state and in the interest of the future of our people,” he added.
The senator also commended his supporters for conducting themselves with decorum, saying their action was not a sign of weakness but strength.
He noted that their actions have shown great respect for the leaders, stressing that they must not allow “conflict entrepreneurs and frustrated politicians” to cause a crisis in the party.
Abe urged members of the Rivers APC to ensure that the coming congresses are conducted freely, fairly and transparently.
According to him, any attempt to hold another hotel-style congress in Rivers State will break faith with the people of the state.
“Without the confidence of the voting public, a political party becomes a mere social club. It will be good for dancing and partying, but it will not win any elections,” Senator Abe said.
A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Chibudom Nwuche, who also spoke at the event, called on the APC to learn from the mistakes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the country approaches the 2019 general elections.
He said, “PDP was imposing candidates and that was why some of us left. Today, it is happening in the APC but thank God, Senator Magnus Abe came up. Let us have a transparent congress and let the popular candidate emerge.”