The group also said that the Ogoni people, who are the second largest in Rivers State, have yet to enjoy a full ministerial appointment since the military era of General Gowon.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja at a press conference, Convener and Secretary of the group, Sunnie Chukwumele and Josiah Onoriode, respectively, stated that Senator Abe single-handedly built the political structure to promote President Tinubu’s presidential ambitions in the state.
Chukwumele noted, “We want to put it on record that Senator Abe single-handedly built the political structure for the promotion of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition in Rivers State. He was castigated and vilified by the majority of people in the state.
“We believe that appointing Senator Abe, whose profile is intimidating, into President Tinubu’s cabinet will also be a succour to the President’s original believers and followers in Rivers State.”
The Convener and Secretary, while further observing, cautioned the President that the abrupt switch of interest by the out-gone governor of the state in the internal affairs of the All Progressives Congress, showing his regular face at the Presidential Villa since the president’s inauguration, should not unduly influence him as his main ally in the state.
They stated, “We have further observed with utter dismay the sudden switch of interest of the former Rivers State Governor in the internal affairs of the APC which he fought against for eight years with his regular face at the Presidential Villa since the assumption of office of President Tinubu. We are afraid these efforts were geared to unduly influence the President by presenting himself as his main ally in Rivers State. Mr. President must be vigilant to watch the antecedence of such people milling around him today.”
The group reminded the President that he has been a man noted to reward loyalty at all costs, praying that Senator Abe’s position as President’s first and main loyalist in River State should not be swapped or short-changed for another.
