Let’s make 2023 polls in Rivers contest of ideas, Abe tells guber candidates

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has urged gubernatorial candidates of other political parties in Rivers State to market their ideas to the people instead of mudslinging at each other.

He spoke at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Bera, in Gokana Local Council, where he held a thanksgiving to appreciate God on his emergence as the governorship candidate of SDP in Rivers State.

Abe, who described himself as a man of ideas, says he has solutions to some of the problems plaguing the people of the state. He said: “I am a man of ideas, better ideas that will convince the electorate that going with us in our vehicle will lead them to a better place.

“And that is what I expect every candidate of other political parties to do in the 2023 campaigns.

“We must pray for a peaceful election in our state. We will not just pray for a peaceful election, all of us must work for a peaceful election.

“We must be peaceful in our conduct before, during and after the elections, and not to harass anybody. Everybody has a right to support whoever he or she wants to support.

“Every political party must be given space and time to campaign for candidates of their choice.”

He emphasised that the Nigerian democracy has come of age and no longer the usual carry-go democracy of yesteryears.

Abe added: “Now, the people of this country want to exercise their rights to choose leaders of their choice. They cannot do so except we create an atmosphere in which ideas can freely flourish.

“Don’t tear another person’s billboards. Don’t tear another person’s posters. Don’t beat up people who do not agree with you. Don’t fight them.

“Rivers State is for all of us. I believe that everybody who is contesting today is contesting because he desires to see a better Rivers State.”

He said that job creation and meaningful engagement of the youths would create a peaceful and progressive state and end insecurity.

In his sermon, Vicar of the Church, Venerable Robinson Nwako, commended Abe and his friends for coming to thank God and prayed for success in all their endeavours ahead of the general elections.