A traditional ruler in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Chief Anthony Waadah, has criticized the Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Senator Magnus Abe over his recent comments on the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Dr. Gabriel Pidomson.
Waadah, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the state capital, berated Abe for allegedly describing Pidomson’s emergence as a “cunning ticket”.
He advised the former senator representing the Rivers South-East district in the National Assembly to desist from making derogatory remarks about the ADC candidate.
Waadah, who is also the President of the Ogoni Business Owners Association in America (OBOAA), dismissed claims by Abe that he led Ogoni support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
He insisted that the former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) had abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC) in pursuit of his governorship ambition on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Waadah, who is the Gbenemene of Legbo Kingdom, alleged that Abe left the APC at a critical period and focused on his personal political aspirations, leaving the party structure and its supporters to fend for themselves during the electioneering process.
The traditional ruler challenged Abe to provide evidence of any significant role he played in securing votes for Tinubu in Ogoniland, maintaining that he personally sponsored and supported APC activities in the area.
Waadah stated that he donated five branded campaign vehicles bearing Tinubu’s images and provided financial support to the party leadership to strengthen the president’s electoral chances in Ogoniland.
The Ogoni leader stated that the candidacy of Pidomson presents a historic opportunity for the Ogoni people to assert their political relevance in Rivers State after years of supporting candidates from other ethnic nationalities.
“We are going to use the candidacy of Sir Dr. Gabriel Pidomson to make a clear statement that Ogonis cannot continue to play second fiddle in the affairs of Rivers State.
“Over the years, Ogonis have supported the Ijaw and Ikwerre political blocs. It is only fair and just for others to reciprocate that support by backing an Ogoni candidate,” he said.
Waadah further assured the ADC of massive support from Ogonis both at home and in the diaspora, describing the party as the political platform that aligns with the aspirations and vision of the Ogoni people.
