ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers State, His Excellency, Ambassador Desmond Akawor received in audience, a delegation from the British High Commission, led by the Political Counsellor of the Commission, Abuja Mr. Jonathan Bacon.
Ambassador Desmond Akawor thanked the delegation for the visit and their commitment to ensure a free, fair and credible polls in the country, as well as their readiness to ensure development touches all parts of the country.
Ambassador Akawor stated that Britain and Nigeria has enjoyed a cordial relationship, which should be encouraged to continue, as being a part of Commonwealth should be a productive partnership, that should ensure stability and prosperity in the nations across the Commonwealth, especially Nigeria which is currently experiencing pockets of insecurity.
About the upcoming elections, the State Chairman of PDP expressed readiness of the party to sweep the polls across the state, in a peaceful process, adding that Rivers State is a PDP stronghold since the inception of the party and the fortunes of the party is further strengthened by the fact that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (Africa), has worked assiduously to change the landscape of the state in terms of infrastructure.
He noted that Rivers State has the best Law School in Nigeria as well as the best Cardiovascular Centre in Africa, as well as other notable projects, initiated, constructed and completed by Governor Nyesom Wike, which on its own is a frontline campaign for the party, as every well meaning Rivers person, both indigenes and known indigene will want to see a continuation of project delivery and will want to vote the candidate of the PDP, who is poised to consolidate on the landmarks of the incumbent Governor of the State.
Ambassador Akawor expressed confidence in the new Electoral Act, which has promised to make the process a smooth and fast one, urging the British Government and other international observers to be proactive during the process and make their findings public instead of shelving them, as this will serve as deterrent to those who will default or want to promote violence.
He added that other political parties in the state should ensure a peaceful campaign, as agreed by other members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), where he is currently serving as the state Chairman, to maintain the existing peace the state is enjoying, under the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
In his speech, Mr. Jonathan Bacon stated that Rivers State is a focal point in the electoral process because of its economic viability in the country, which cannot be underestimated, therefore, there was need to meet with parties across the state to assess their readiness of the upcoming general elections in the country.
He noted that the same assessment is being carried across notable states in the country, as Britain is interested in a Nigeria that is politically stable, which will ensure development in the country, adding that his home country is ready to place visa ban on any politician found to have engaged on violence in the upcoming elections as a first step to sanitize and rid the system of violence and electoral malpractice.
Mr. Bacon appealed to Nigerians to maintain a peaceful disposition and atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
Other members of the delegation of the British High Commission include, David Ukagwu, Head of Regional Offices, FCDO, Abuja, Dr Olachi Chuks-Runnie, Regional Coordinator, Southern Nigeria, FCDO and Ms Innie Obong, Office Manager, British Deputy High Commission, Port Harcourt.
From the PDP State Office, the State Secretary, Dr. Benibo George, the State Woman leader, Mrs. Mirian Ogbonna, the Assistant Secretary 1, Bellor K.Waite, the Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Humphrey Clinton Uranta and the State Publicity Secretary, Sydney Tambari Tambari Sydney Gbara were among the State Party Executives present at the meeting.
Ondomind
