New PDP LEADERSHIP CHANGE HANDS Ambassador Desmond Akawor inaugurated as New Rivers State PDP Chairman

…Governor Wike hints that more Covid-19 cases may come up in the state as more tests are carried out

By Ibrahim Bakare

The new Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Council has been inaugurated in Port Harcourt.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Ikuinyi Ibani administered the oath of office on the new executives led by Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

In a press Statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to Governor Nyesom Wike on Electronic Media, said , the State Governor called on the new executives to work towards consolidating the gains of the immediate past Executive led by Bro Felix Obuah.

He commended immediate past Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah for leading to victory.

He said: “We had challenges at the beginning, but that Executive was committed to service. Obuah has shown capacity to deliver. It will not be easy for the new executives, but the new executives must start to prepare the party for the challenges ahead.

“Work hard to surpass the records of the past executives. Working together is key, unity is key.”

Speaking further, Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government will never condone criminality or any attempt to violate the law.

He said: “But for the steps that , the number of cases would have been more. What makes a leader is the ability to be firm. I value life more than property.

“Since 2015, we have not demolished any property. But, someone who was SSG superintended over the demolition of several properties. Now the person is talking about the draconian process.

“My joy is that majority of Rivers people love what we are doing.”

Governor Wike added that from Information from the State Health Commissioner, the State is likely to have more cases, mostly oil workers.

National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus congratulated the new Rivers State PDP Executive Committee, advising them to work for the growth of the party.

Commenting on the fight against coronavirus, Uche Secondus blasted the Federal Government for refusing to assist State Governments and provide direction for the country.

He said: “The Governors are working without help from the Federal Government. But for God, the situation would have been worse.

“Governors are running from pillar to post. We must be grateful to Governor Wike for the initiative that he took. What the Governor has done has helped to drastically reduce the number of cases.

“Rivers State is lucky to have Governor Wike at this time of crisis .”

He said those who spread negative propaganda do so out of hatred.

New Rivers State PDP Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor thanked the leadership and members of the party for giving him the opportunity to serve.

He said God has used Governor Wike to rebuild a new Rivers State. He saluted the resilience of PDP in weathering the storm.

Akawor assured that the new Executive will serve the party diligently.

Immediate Past PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the Executive Committee under his leadership led the party to victory since 2015.

He said that the outgone Executives will continue to work for the party to ensure future victory.