PDP, APC call for reconciliation, unity in Rivers

The two contending political parties in Rivers State, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressive Congress, APC, have used the occasion of Christmas festivities to call for truce.

While the PDP through the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike called for reconciliation amongst Rivers State and Nigerian political leaders, the APC called for unity among Rivers people towards the progress and stability of the state.

In his Christmas message read to newsmen at the Government House, Port Harcourt on the eve of Christmas, Governor Wike said that unity was needed for enhanced development.

The governor noted that all Nigerians should take advantage of the spirit of the season to promote forgiveness, love and peace.

He said: “I use this opportunity to plead with those who may not have achieved what they wanted to get, to put aside all interests for the sake of Christmas, let us forgive each other and move the state forward.

“Let us move Rivers State forward, let us move Nigeria forward. That is my personal message this Christmas.”

The governor added: “For all of us who are Christians, this is the period we have to reflect on what Christ means to us. Christ means love and unity.

“As a state, we should use this period to reflect and ponder on the need for us to unite ourselves. We should work as a people who are saved by the birth of Jesus Christ.

“To Nigeria as a country, we should use this period to work as a country, to put our differences aside and show love amongst ourselves.”

He said: “This is a period we should not continue to antagonise ourselves or destroy ourselves because of selfish interests.

“If Christ could be born for the salvation of all, it behoves on all of us to make sacrifices in order to unite the entire country for the interest of every person. Not just because a personal interest is not served, then the country should be destroyed”

The governor emphasised that: “Rivers as a Christian State loves to celebrate Christmas in a way that would edify the people. For us, we have to show that Christ is love.

Speaking for the APC, Senator Magnus Abe, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, stressed the need for unity.
Senator Abe said it was hoped that insecurity and violence that characterised 2016 would be a thing of the past in 2017.

“It is our hope and prayer that the insecurity, violence and challenges witnessed in the state in 2016 will be a thing of the past in 2017”.
He urged those who foment trouble to sheath their sword and embrace peace in the overall interest of the state.

“I want to appeal to all Rivers men and women that we come together, work together for peace, security and stability of our state. I’m sure it is the intention of Rivers people that they need to see change in the way politics is conducted in Rivers State”.

The former Secretary to Rivers State Government commended the people of Rivers South East for voting for him, assuring them that their hopes would not be dashed.

He said:“I want to thank everybody for the support that was given to me in the last election, which cuts across party lines and to say to all those who did not that by the grace of God, your own hope, dream and expectation will be met in the coming year.”