Tony Johm, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Government has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest in the forthcoming local government elections to prove its popularity.
The APC had earlier declined to participate in the council polls, stating that the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) lacked legal right to conduct the polls, noting a pending court matter bordering on the constitution of the body.
Commissioner of Information and Communications, Emma Okah, during the official opening and inauguration of campaign team of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Igwuruta community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State.
Okah said the call was necessary for the APC to prove that they are on ground to win elections in the state as claimed .
According to Okah, PDP is over 95 percent in charge of the state.
He said: “We don’t want APC to opt out of the election because we don’t want them to feel defeated even before defeat. They should come and prove their popularity.
“Let them come and contest election, the doors are open as a level playing field will be provided. The governor has assured RSIEC will conduct a free and fair election.”
Meanwhile, the chairmanship candidate of the PDP in Ikwerre LGA for the polls, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, has promised to provide employment to youths of the LG through agriculture empowerment and education.
Nwanosike said, “For the very first time, we are going to have a bureau of employment. Their responsibility is to go round the world, get these opportunities and expose them to our people, prepare them to be able to stand their interviewers.”
