A coalition of leaders under the aegis of the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) has expressed solidarity and confidence in the capability of a frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Edo gubernatorial race, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital during a world press Conference, the group led by its General Commanding Officer, JohnMark Ezonebi, described Dr Umakhihe as “an astute administrator, a professional human and financial resources expert with a sound accounting background who has shown capacity in the area of peace advocacy and leadership needed by the people of Edo”.
The militant leaders, after an enlarged meeting of the various commanders of nine Militant groups in the creeks of Bini River in Egbema Axis of Edo State further said that after a check of the various Governorship aspirants in the forthcoming APC Governorship Primary race it observed that Dr. Umakhihe stands out amongst the rest.
Parts of the statement read “he is a selfless leader with distinction and a detribalised Nigerian and true son of Edo Land who has contributed to the overall development of Edo State through his previous positions, as he influenced different Infrastructural projects in Edo State including roads, solar pole street lights, distribution of agricultural proceeds to empower farmers.
“He has been known to give needed attention to youth empowerment projects and social welfare for students empowerment, and many others to mention while he was serving the country as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“We have critically checked and analyzed the track record and antecedents of Dr Enerst Umakhihe, and we were all convinced that he will drastically and dramatically transform the economy and social life of the Edo people, which all parts of the State will be carried along and the people will have a sense of belonging. Therefore, as a militant group we are well pleased to identify with the candidature of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, and we see him as our Governor in waiting.
“Dr Enerst Afolabi Umakhihe being our choice as we have unanimously agreed to go to the entire Edo people, and starting within the APC for holistic mobilization, and this is not farfetched because he has what it takes which other aspirants within the APC doesn’t have to galvanize the enormous natural resources including crude oil production and abundance of gas to transform Edo State and also the entire Niger Delta region with the God-given resources based on his wide and deep wealth of experience and expertise.
“No doubt Dr Enerst Afolabi Umakhihe is a strong force to reckon with because he is a game changer that the party also believes in to take over the reins of leadership in Edo State based on his trustworthiness and foresight, and we unequivocally state with confidence that he has all it takes to change the narrative in Edo State.
“He is the only political figure that Edo State has as its renewed hope, and he will ensure lasting peace and cohesion that would engender a peaceful coexistence between the Binis, Esans, Afemis, Auchis and entire Ijaw tribes in the Ovia South- West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas of Edo State including other ethnic nationalities in Edo.
“With Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Edo will be great and stand tall among the comity of States in Nigeria, and her economy will be unlocked thereby lead to massive job creation for the youth and will stem the tide of Japa, and women will have sense of belonging in all sectors of the economy and governance. He will use his international exposure to attract unprecedented foreign investors to the State within a short period and Edo State will be transformed into an investors hub with rapid industrialisation.
“We also urge those who will participate in the primary election to vote for him. We also advise the party’s leadership to play by the rules and not to allow any negative influence to derail the part from its victory. We believe the primary election will be transparent and fair, but we will be on ground to monitor everything. Meanwhile, we assure Dr Earnest Afolabi Umakhihe of our solid support for him as the incoming Governor of Edo State by the Grace of God.“