By: Barikui Felix
Sen. Magnus Ngei Abe, the chairman of the National Agency for The Great Green Wall (NAGGW), claims that the defection of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and his entire cabinet is a step that will fortify and solidify the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) base of support in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Abe, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Parry Saroh Benson, described the move as evidence that Nigeria’s democracy is actually stronger under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC leadership.
He stated that democracy is strong when all citizens are granted true freedom of association and choice.
Abe said: “Under President Tinubu, Nigerians have seen a tremendous increase in the resources available to the states, and serious minded Governors have been able to utilise that advantage to the benefit of their people.This is the merit that Sheriff Oborevwori and his team have seen and decided to take advantage of it, to move the people of Delta state closer to the centre to accelerate development. It is a step in the right direction and I commend him”.
The statement recalled that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar abandoned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007 as a sitting Vice President to run for President, and thus Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Okowa’s decision to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is appropriate because it will benefit the good people of Delta State and the South South geopolitical zone in general.
To those who claim that the President’s actions are contributing to a one-party state, Abe urged the PDP to band together rather than play the victim card, stating that it is not the duty or responsibility of President Tinubu and the APC administration to build opposition against itself.
Abe urged Senator Omo Agege, Festus Keyamo, Chief Ayeni, and other APC leaders in Delta state to rally behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his group to expedite their seamless integration into the APC, stating that the party under Tinubu is large enough to accommodate all Nigerians.
To those who are insinuating that the President’s action is accentuating towards a one party state, Abe urged the PDP to put themselves together instead of playing the victim’s card as it is not the duty or responsibility of President Tinubu and the APC administration to build opposition against itself.
Abe called on Senator Omo Agege, Festus Keyamo, Chief Ayeni and other leaders of the APC in Delta state to rally round Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his group to fast track their seamless integration into the APC, as the party under Tinubu is large enough to accommodate all Nigerians.
