Attendees waiting patiently for meeting to begin Ahead of the June 16th, 2018 Local Government Election in Rivers State, a group of...
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| Attendees waiting patiently for meeting to begin |
The group is made of Pro-PDP supporters and promoters in ASALGA with the common aim to ensure victory for PDP in the LG Poll and the 2019 general election. In their statement, the group noted that Egberipapa has remained passionate to the struggle of the party and he has relentlessly contributed his finance, time and energy to ensure that PDP remain at the forefront of the affairs of governance in Kalabari Kingdom and the entire Rivers State.
According to Hon. Tonye F. Seni, leader, VDM - Kalabari Caucus; “Egberipapa is unlike every other politician in Kalabari. We have watched him in distance; he is indeed qualified to lead ASALGA. He has love for the people and the PDP. He is highly passionate in working to ensure that PDP secure victory in 2019 and therefore, we must present him as chairmanship candidate for the June 16th Election to ensure that the thousands of people that believes in him remain focus in believing PDP. We believe that PDP is the hope of the people of Rivers State and only Egberipapa can mobilize to deliver PDP in ASALGA. He has always worked, campaigned, and mobilized for the party to see victory in previous elections.”
“Without Egberipa, power would have been hijacked from PDP across the Kalabari Kingdom, but his grassroots-mobilization skills, fearless heart and track record of selfless contributions even outside the political scene made thousands of his supporters in Kalabari and millions in the state to sacrificially follower his set-pace towards supporting PDP”. .. Hon. Seni noted
The gathering took place at Tariah Compound in Buguma, the head-quarter of Asari Toru Local Government Area. It was at about 3pm on Wednesday, the 21st of March, 2018 and the whole of the city was in the atmosphere to witness the great occasion. Boys, Girls, Men and women with passion for PDP and ASALGA was in their numbers at the venue of the meeting to support the great desire of the teaming founders of the VDM-ASALGA to persuade Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich to get involved in contesting and winning as the first citizen of the L.G.A under the political platform of the People’s Democratic Party, which they believe is the political party that has the agenda to better the lives of ASALGANS and the entire Rivers State.
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| Participants |
The group was highly organised with disco-light emblem of the group pinned on each and everyone clothing. The meeting was the first to be held in ASALGA, however, participants and observers marvelled at the number of attendees. Mr. Yeritubo Ibanimi, a 67 years old from Ward 4 in ASALGA have this to say; “A good man is a good man, no matter how you paint or blackmail him. I struggle all my way to this occasion because; I heard that the group are of the interest of persuading Hon. Jackrich to LG race. I don’t have any other option but to be here and contribute my part to see Egberipapa through victory if we are able to make him indicate the interest to participate. This man has been good to everyone including the elderly; he supported us with several uncountable things years back before he surfaced in the political scene”.
“Egberipapa is the only true leader in PDP or any other parties who can convince 96% of the people of Kalabari to support a cause. Most of the guys parading themselves as voice of PDP in ASALGA are politicians who rent people in and outside Port Harcourt to create scene of followership during rallies or campaign. Enough of jeopardizing the aim and objective of our great party in the hand of politicians who employ sycophancy to secure positions that are supposed for the men-that-matters”... Mr. Yeritubo said.
On her part, Madam Ngeleba Mattew of Ward 10 noted that; “Egberipapa is an empowerment machine and the pace for adults, youths and children to follow in terms of activism, politics and humanitarian service”. She also said; “No sane person in ASALGA without selfish interest, will refuse to support the call for Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich to contest as chairman of Asari Toru Local Government Area in 2018”
The event hosted the inauguration of EXCOs members of VDM in ASALGA. The EXCOs were elected into their various offices through a majority vote after nomination. The elected EXCO members as noted at the event includes; Barr. Dasime Warmate – Chairman, Comr. Esther V. Opubo – Vice Chairman/Women Leader, Comr. Oputamuno Ekine – Operational Director, Hon. George Yahwaribo – Secretary, Comr. Asitonaa Pokima – Head Online Media, Comr. Damiete C. Batubo – Financial Secretary, Wisdom Elekima – P.R.O, Comr. Dearson Pepple – Youth Leader.
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| Barr. Dasime Warmate - Newly sworn-in VDM, ASALGA Chairman |
In his inaugural speech, the Chairman of VDM – ASALGA Chapter vehemently described Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich as a worthy leader capable of piloting the affairs of the Asari Toru Local Government Area in a way it will favour all sundry, irrespective of anyone political affiliation. According to him; “Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich is one of the most colourful and charismatic politician and of probably, a towering individual, he gives all he had without discrimination, to make fellow human beings live a worthy life. The usual practice was for him, to assemble his teaming well wishers and associate at his disposal and fraternize heartily with all and sundry – low and high”.
“Hon. Sobomabo is a phenomenon, an amiable personality and indisputable apostle of politics without bitterness. We shall continue to accord him the fullest honour and respect, that, he richly deserves” ... Barr. Dasime.
Describing the group, the elected chairman said; “Volunteers for Democratic Movement is a group of like minds with the aim to ensure that democracy is sustained in Nigeria through the practice of fairness, development, industrialisation and empowering of the citizens . The objective of initiating this force (VDM – ASALGA) is the relationship of the group and the demands by well-meaning indigenes of ASALGA to produce a leader with the highlighted objectives of the Volunteers for Democratic Movement. VDM – ASALGA is open to everyone who understands the needs for good governance and relate such to the philanthropic, transparent and accountable leadership of Egberipapa when he was appointed C.T.C Chairman of the L.G.A and his leadership role in the most formidable group in Kalabari Kingdom, Kengema Unity Forum”... Barr. Warmate noted.
Speaking on behalf of VDM National, Hon. Engr. Godswill A. T. Robinson highlighted the reason why Volunteers for Democratic Movement formerly inaugurated ASALGA Chapter’s Executive Officers today.
According to him; “VDM is lover of democracy, we move together with democracy or make democracy to move when necessary. We at VDM have come to realised that the tenets of democracy is imbibed in the agenda of PDP and no other party, we cannot quickly forget the indelible force Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich has been employing to make PDP ever alive in the Kalabari Kingdom”
“Leaders from group recognised as Volunteers for Egberipapa approached us and demanded for affiliation with us (VDM) because of the nexus between our objectives and the group sometimes 2017 and as a result, VDM approved their request. The ASALGA branch is made up of vibrant, innovative, influential, sound and grassroots politicians drawn from all wards and units of the L.G.A.
“The group is a newly born baby in the L.G.A but it will prove the David in it, because VDM is the VOICE that quickens the heart of the people into action”... He noted.
Also speaking to newsmen, Comr. Dearson Pepple, PRO – VDM, ASALGA noted that the group is not affiliated with KUF but it is open to both members of KUF, PDP and every other group in ASALGA who are willing to support the call for development in ASALGA or the entire Kalabari Kingdom.
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