Let Rivers people freely choose their gov in 2023, Abe begs politicians

Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has cautioned politicians against intimidation of the electorate by allowing them to choose who becomes their governor next year.

He explained that the new rules guiding polls in Nigeria expect that there should be no middlemen during the 2023 general elections.

Speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt, Abe appealed: “Let us give room to Rivers people to choose whoever they want, let us give them room to appoint whoever they want. Whoever they choose, let all of us join hands with that person to build to the state so that it will grow.

“No one is bigger than the other person. What causes problems during election is when people think that they have right more than you. They believe that whomever they choose should be accepted by all. Let all of us realise that it is God that gives power.”

He continued: “Under this democracy, the President has one vote, governor has one vote, senator has one vote, driver has one vote, gardener has one vote, market woman has one vote.

“In as much as the senator wants people to respect his own vote, let the senator also respect the vote of the cameraman. Don’t spoil his vote, so that he can say his mind.”

The gubernatorial hopeful submitted that the dismantling of middlemen in the new Electoral Act led to the formation of Project SMA 2023 to reach out to voters on a one-on-one basis.