THE traditional ruler of Gokana Kingdom, an Ogoni ethnic group in Rivers State, King Barnabas Paago Bagia, has said his people will vote massively for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Honourable Dakuku Peterside.
The traditional ruler made this known when Peterside paid him a courtesy call at his palace at Bera, in Gokana Local Government Area, on Thursday, saying the decision was because the APC governorship candidate is from Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s political family.
The monarch, speaking through Chief Needom Badom, said, “We assure you that Gokana people will give you support. We assure you that Gokana people will support anything that has to do with the Amaechi political family.
“Our position as royal fathers isolate us from partisan politics. But be that as it may, it smacks of injustice and tantamount to ingratitude if we do not state categorically that since the amalgamation of Nigeria, Gokana people have benefitted from Amaechi than any other person.”
He, however, appealed to Peterside to consider the construction of a new palace for Gokana Kingdom as well as the provision of a bus for the Gokana Council of Chiefs, if he wins the forthcoming election.
“We are not here to bother you with requests because you already know them. Gokana as you can see is a huge construction site; network of roads, schools, name it.”
Therefore, we will make one small request from you. This palace is not befitting; we want you to help us. The palace also needs a bus for the chiefs,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the APC governorship candidate promised to complete all projects initiated by the Amaechi-led administration, as well as ensure the connection of communities in the kingdom to the national grid, if elected as the governor.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
