Eze Ferdinand Elehi Ekenta, paramount ruler of Ogbakiri has said that the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers decided to support Dr. Dakuku Peterside,governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC because of hisintegrity, vision and so as to stop the desperate ambition of one man, hellbent on ruining the image and integrity of the entire Ikwerre people.
The royal father who made the disclosure during a courtesy call by the APC candidate stated that the Isiokpo declaration which adopted Peterside as the sole candidate of the Ikwerre nation was conscious of the future.
According to Eze Ekenta, the decision of the traditional rulers was guided by fairness,justice, equity and good neighbourliness.
The monarch told Peterside and his entourage that the endorsement must stay because all Ikwerre traditional rulers have resolved to support the APC candidate and other candidates of the party. He described the Ikwerre as honourable people who are faithful and considerate.
“I confirm the Isiokpo declaration. As far as we are concerned, that confirmation stays and we are not going back on that. Ikwerre land is made up of four local government areas and we are behind you. All of us, will support Peterside”, he said.
Responding,Peterside thanked Ikwerre people for the honour done him. The APC candidate who described his endorsement as a vote of confidence, promised to live up to expectation of the people of Rivers State.
“We havebeen having elections but this one will define the future of Ogbakiri. Ogbakiri will make a statement with their votes. APC is that path of peace, progress and development.
“I was adopted by the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers because of the image and reputation of Ikwerre people, so that people will not say Ikwerre people are greedy. Our rulers and fathers cannot be wrong. They said they have commissioned me, and our leader, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi supported it.
“We all knowthat Ikwerre had the position for eight years, therefore it is only fair to allow other groups. I am here to inform you that the future of Ogbakiri is at stake. I have also come to assure you that I will not let Ikwerre and Ogbakiri down. We will sit together and plan on how to move our state forward”.
The campaign train also visited Eze Charles Obeleme Owezina of Rumuoro-Ogbakiri, Eze VincentC.B. Okor, paramount ruler of Emohua and Eze Christian Elechi, paramount ruler of Rumuji.
The ward rallies which took Peterside and theGreater Together Campaign Organisation to Ogbakiri, Rumuji Emohua and Elele Alimini also afforded other candidates of the APC like Hon. Andrew Uchendu,Chidi Wihioka and Hon. Chidi Llyod the opportunity to reach out to their constituents.
