Work For All Party Candidates, Former Aspirant Urges Supporters . . . Denies Stepping Down For Any Body
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Fmr Aspirant, Rivers State House of Assembly Ahoada East Constituency I (APC)
by Goodnews Ben A former aspirant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Ahoada East Constituency I on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Honest Benson, has urged his supporters to work with flag bearers who emerged from the recently conducted primaries of the party.
Benson, who made the call during a ‘thank you’ meeting with his supporters Wednesday, May 25th, at Home Care Hotel, Ahoada, denied stepping down for any aspirants.
The former aspirant informed his followers that as a core, loyal and faithful party member, he decided not to continue with his quest to represent his in the state House of Assembly based on the party’s decision to field a female for that slot and not as rumoured that he was settled by an aspirant.
He thanked his supporters for keeping faith with him all through the time of consultations and formal declaration of his intention to serve them, adding that only the Almighty God shall repay each and every one of them accordingly.
The former aspirant speaking further, eulogised the South South Leader and Presidential Hopeful of the party, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for his leadership acumen, which according to him ‘endeared him to continuously remain his follower.
He added that the local government Party Chairman, King Salvation Ezegwogwo is another leader he has high respect for.
His words: “I did not step down for any body. Among all the aspirants, none has what it takes to defeat me in the poll, because I have all that it takes to be victorious, capacity, finance and physical power.
“As a party loyalist, who has been in the party since its formation, I have been following Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, the supreme leader in Rivers State, I march where he march, I go when he says go and if he says return, I do. I have never belonged to any camp except his.
“Though, I have never benefitted from the system in any way. Am not those that have benefitted but just loved him as a person and his leadership style, including his people oriented projects during his tenure as the state governor and as a minister. He is a man of principle, integrity, I respect him for that.
“My loyalty to the party leadership is the reason for my stepping down, since it has been decided that a female should fill the slot. We are gathered here today to formally let you know as my supporters that the rumour making the rounds that I was paid to step down is false, unfounded and misleading.
“Stand firm, remain resolute and support whoever that is the party flag bearer. “
Responding, the non indigenes woman leader, Mrs Felicia Chidiebere described the gesture as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time someone who declined to contest would gather his supporters to inform them of his decision.
She thanked him for his political sagacity and show of humility.
Mrs Chidiebere assured him of the continuous support of the non indigenes in all his future political pursuit, advising that he should continue to toe the line of respect for party leadership directives and sense of humility.
“This gesture is unprecedented, unheard of in this part of the world for an aspirant who has declined to contest for whatever reason to recognise and gather his supporters to pass information formally.
“I respect you more for your show of respect for party directive and sense of humility. This will take you to higher ground. I wish to assure you today that for this singular gesture, the non indigenes will always be with you in your political doings,” she stated.
