The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Pastor Tonye Cole, has assured the people of the state of speedy development if elected as governor in the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

Cole gave the assurance while flagging off his campaign rally in Chokocho, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

The APC gubernatorial candidate said it was sad that Etche being one of the LGAs that has contributed to the economic strength of the state, would be relegated and deprived of development because of politics.

“Because you have chosen to affiliate with us, the State Government has denied you what is rightfully yours.

“I am here to assure you that your steadfastness will not be in vain.

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“You stood for respect and dignity, When we form government, we shall treat you with the respect and dignity you have shown,” he said.

Cole further alleged that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the PDP have been trying to ensure that the APC is not on the ballot but failed.

“After failing in the courts they tried a different option of executive orders to stop them from campaigning.

“Wike has tried all he can to stop us from participating in this election by using the court but here we are today.

“They came and lied that we would not be on the ballot, they said inec will not recognise us. But we are here on ground to tell you that we on the ballot and we are campaigning,” the governorship candidate added.

Also speaking at the rally, the APC chairman in the state, Emeka Beke, urged the people of Etche to vote themselves out of the “political bondage” that Governor Wike has put them by voting for all the APC candidates in the 2023 general election.

The Star