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| Felix Obuah |
The atmosphere at the Obi Wali Integrated Cultural Center, Port Harcourt was electrifying on Tuesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State re-elected Bro. Felix Obuah to serve as Chairman of the party for a second term.
Delegates from all 23 Local Government Areas of the State had arrived the venue as early as 8 a.m. for the programme which was billed for 10 a.m. At about 2 p.m. when Governor Nyesom Wike stepped into the opulent facility, the hall was filled to the brim, even as many who could not gain entrance into the hall watched proceeding from outside.
Governor Wike was the first to cast his vote. Others who followed in that order include former Governor Celestine Omehia as well as former Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru. Notable chieftains of the party amongst them, State and national legislators, Commissioners, Special Advisers and Caretaker Chairmen and executive members of party in the 23 Local Government Areas, also cast their votes.
The participation and conduct of the exercise was peaceful, orderly and done according to the relevant provisions and guidelines as contained in the party constitution.
As the electoral umpire, Chief Vincent Umahi announced the Chairmanship result declaring Obuah winner, the hall erupted in jubilation. And for 10 minutes, Obuah sang and danced. He picked his favorite tunes in turn; from ‘Godwin’ to ‘Anate’ before the crowd roared with ‘Chairmo, Chairmo, our chairmo’. The party moved from the hall to the waiting crowd outside the edifice.
It is no gainsaying the fact that not only members of the PDP are happy over the re-election of Bro. Felix Obuah as State Chairman of the largest political party in Africa, but the entire people of Rivers State. Here is the man who painstakingly wrested the PDP from the leadership of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and brought back hope when the party was under the threat of extinction.
Amidst the excitement, Obuah took the microphone and gave his acceptance speech. He said his joy knew no bounds as the day had come and gone.
“I dedicate this victory to the Almighty God and the good people of Rivers State who stood by me in all of these years. I cannot thank you enough,” he said.
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The PDP Chairman said he would do his best not to betray the confidence reposed on him and the new executives members, adding “I will stop at nothing to ensure we don’t disappoint you”.
Bro. Obuah described his re-election as a ‘wise venture’ by the people of the State, noting that Rivers people will not regret it.
‘Go Round’ as Obuah is popularly called, also expressed ‘unshaken loyalty’ to the Nyesom Wike-led government, saying that the Governor was working tirelessly to develop the State. He re-affirmed his believe that PDP will regain power at the federal level.
“Governor Wike and the PDP will catapult us to our destiny. Our Lord will lead us to victory and Rivers State will enjoy eternal peace. All those who are gathering to create chaos will scatter in Jesus Name” he prayed.
Earlier, Governor Wike had in his speech commended the electoral body for a job well done, even as he praised delegates for a peaceful conduct.
“These are the hallmarks of our great party. We will continue to remain strong and united and take Rivers State to the Promised Land. I urge you to keep the flag flying,” he said.
The governor said the party was doing well, adding that the government would showcase the performance of the administration on May 29, when it would mark its one year anniversary. “We shall host the National Convention of our great party on the 21st of May and we assure you that it would be the best of its kind in the annals of PDP National Convention” Wike said.
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