Following a rash of events culminating in the party beeb unable to hold aacampaign rally in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday held what he described as a unique rally with Rivers State stakeholders at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel Abuja).
The meeting of Atiku with “a cross section of leaders, opinion leaders and citizens from various walks of life”, as he described it, was necessitated by the drama over the use of the Adokie Amaesiemeka Stadium in Port Harcourt, which use was approved, disapproved, and again approved by the Rivers State government, whose head, Nyesom Wike, has not hidden his dislike for his party’s candidate since he lost out to him in the jostle for the party’s presidential ticket, and subsequently to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Governor, in the choice of the Vice presidential ticket.
Wike went ahead to lead a group of four other governors of Benue, Oyo, Enugu and Abia – to breakaway from supporting Atiku. As ai stands, the four others are said to be rooting for Peter Obi of the Labour Party, while Wike appears alone to have pitched his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu. Even then, most Rivers State indigenes prefer Peter Obi.
Meanwhile, an attempt to by-pass the state government by clearing and using a vast piece of land elsewhere for Atiku’s campaign by the Rivers PDP Presidential Campaign group led by Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former Minister of Transportation, was violently resisted by the state government, officials, and other persons believed to be thugs.
Though the Sekibo group came out to allege it was an assassination attempt, the state governor said the government move was to stop the illegal use of government land for a political purpose.
On Sunday, Atiku acknowledged the circumstances and turn of events that led to the “unique style of a campaign rally” as he dubbed it.
He adds, “Although we did not wish for this, it became expedient that we think and act innovatively to protect the lives of our people from the mindless violence and bloodshed instigated by the very persons who have the primary responsibility for their security and wellbeing.
“Our campaign and indeed the PDP subscribes fully to the position that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
“Clearly, events on the ground in Rivers State, and this gathering here at the insistence of our Rivers PDP family, confirms the historic relationship between me and Rivers state.
“Beyond being a good corporate citizen of Rivers State, I have deeply connected with several families in Rivers State over the years, a relationship that has endured for decades, long before politics. That is why I remain confident of the support of Rivers people for PDP and our presidency….
“Amongst other dividends, the transportation infrastructure in Rivers State will receive priority attention. The existing seaports will be expanded to increase economic activities that will have multiplier effect on the economy of Rivers State for the prosperity of our people.
“The uncompleted rail line from Onne Port to join the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail line, which has been on the drawing board for decades will be completed speedily, while the deep seaport in Bonny will receive immediate attention.
“The completion of the East West Road will be a cardinal priority commitment for our presidency. The international airport in Port Harcourt will receive increased attention and investment to become a truly regional hub.”