2019: MAGNUS ABE FORMALLY DECLARES TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR UNDER APC

Admin l Wednesday, April 25, 2018

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers, Nigeria – Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, representing Rivers South East, has formally declared his willingness to vie for the 2019 governorship election on the platform of the All ProgressivesCongress, APC. He said he made up his mind after exhaustive consultation with his family, friends and political associates. “I also intend to address the main issue that has divided the APC in Rivers State as well as the burning question whether Senator Abe will vie for the governorship in 2019 under the APC or not. And I am glad to tell you that I have reached a decision.”

“I have taken every opinion and advice that I have been offered into consideration. I have consulted my family and friends. I have also consulted political associates. And most importantly, my God.’ There are some friends who advised me not to go for governorship. Several friends have also advised me to go for it. Some people advised me not to try it because of certain perceived opposition in leadership of the APC in Rivers State.”

“Looking back now, I think they all advised me based on what they thought was good for me. While some people warned me not to even try it because even if I get the ticket of the APC I will be running against a very formidable incumbent with a lot of cash. But I am happy to report that none of those who have spoken to me about my desire to vie for the office of governor have not said I am not qualified or capable to hold the office of governor, or that I will not do a good job.”

“Even those who have advised me not to try it agree that I am capable; that I am qualified and that I can do a good job. Those who want me to vie for the position of governor believe that we have values that we can add. I look at all of you and look around us. I look at our present and also look at our future and I am convinced that we take our state on a new direction. For the interest of our state and the future of our state, I, Magnus Ngei Abe, have decided to run for the governorship of Rivers State in 2019 on the platform of the APC.”

Senator Abe maintained that the leaders of the APC in Rivers State, in 2015, zoned the governorship to the Rivers South East Senatorial District. He said to the best of his knowledge, that position has not be altered by the party.

He stated: “If we in Rivers say it is unfair and unjust for Governor Nyesom Wike to continue in office, then, we in the APC most also carry the moral burden if we fail to give opportunity to sections of the state that have been denied certain positions. Abe warned the leaders of the APC to conduct a free and fair party congress for wards, local government and state. He declared: “Let me say this in just three words: ‘Don’t try it.’ Leaders of the party must ensure that the party congresses are peaceful and fair.”

Senator Abe spoke during the opening ceremony of his campaign office in demonstration of his willingness to contest for 2019 election in Rivers State on the platform of the All ProgressivesCongress, APC. The office, called Freedom House, is located at No. 21/23 Evo Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt. Conspicuously absent are the event are the Leader of the APC in the South South and Rivers State, Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

The state chairman of the party, Chief Davis Ibiamu-Ikanya, also did not attend the event. No member of State Executive Council, SEC, attended the official unveiling of the campaign office. Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, urged members of the APC to support Senator Abe’s governorship ambition, stressing that he was a good and humble man who is qualified and capable to be the governor of the state.

He declared: “Rivers people are not for sale. I urge you to vote widely in 2019. Vote for your future and that of your children while voting in 2019.
The era of rigging at the polls is gone. Please, don’t gamble with your future.”