Akinima—The idyllic town of Akinima in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State was thrown into a celebratory mood as the Simplified Movement under the leadership of Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari organized a thanksgiving service on the recent Supreme Court victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The event took place at the Akinima playground and also saw the defection of some stakeholders and members of the opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In his remarks, Governor Fubara commended the people of Ahoada West for their support during and after the elections and also thanked them profusely for standing by him throughout the numerous court cases.
The governor who was represented by a former speaker of the state assembly, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi called on the people of the area to stand solidly behind Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff Government House.
According to him, “I want you all to resist every form of intimidation against your son (Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison). It is the support you give your son that will see him through this period.
While saying that all evil plans against the state government “have failed already,” Fubara noted that no single individual can claim sole ownership of the political structure in the state.
According to him, every political structure, no matter how solid it may be, is usually inherited from a previous administration.
On his part, Sokari who is the member representing Ahoada West State Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly assured that his constituents are solidly behind the governor as he has the interest of Rivers people at heart.
He thanked the governor for always preaching the “gospel of peace” and stressed that no price is too much to pay for peace in the state.
The lawmaker said hoodlums allegedly loyal to the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Council, Hon. Hope Ikiriko had dismantled decorations and destroyed equipment worth millions of naira at the initial venue of the event.
He noted that even in the face of unwarranted acts of provocations he will remain resolute in the quest for lasting peace in the state.
Sokari however commended security agencies in the area for keeping the peace in the area and promised to write a petition against the council chairman.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Adolphus O. Timothy, a member representing Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency and Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, a member representing Bonny State Constituency called on the people of Ahoada West to continue giving their support to Fubara.
While calling for prayers for the governor to succeed, they maintained that “the political distractions will not deter him from fulfilling his electoral promises.”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Chigbo Eligwe, a former Rivers lawmaker and House of Representatives candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) described their defection as a homecoming.
He applauded Sokari and other PDP stakeholders in the constituency for fostering unity, peace and a sense of purpose.
Dignitaries who attended the event include the Head of Service, Dr. George C. Nwaeke, Rt. Hon. Bright Gogo, Rt. Hon. Adams Dabotorudima, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nname Ewor, Hon. Christian Ahiakwo, and Hon. Deeyah Bariene.
Hon. Matthew Dike, Chief Odum Prince, former minority leader of the state assembly, Hon. Barry Badom, Hon. Tonye Alalibo, Hon. Reason Onyah, Chief. Mrs. Patricia Wudhigab, among others, also attended the event.
