Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has appealed to everyone that was offended by his conduct during the presidential election in the state to forgive him. He claimed that his actions were in the interest of the state.
In a pre-election broadcast, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Amaechi also urged the people of the state to shun violence during the coming governorship election.
“As we prepare for that election, we have a little time to reflect on the issues at stake. It must be about Rivers state. It must be about its progress and the prosperity of all who live here and are from here.
“It must be about development, good governance, peace and security. We need to stand firm as a people for what we believe in.
“When that day breaks, I encourage you all to come out with your Permanent Voters Cards, walk to the polling station to get accredited.
“Even if it rains, stand to be counted. This election is about your life, your safety, the wellbeing of your loved ones, your business, and the future of your children, and ultimately, our great state.
“Let it be said of you in the future that you stood up to be counted. Deep down inside everyone of us, we want a peaceful, transparent, credible and violence-free election.”
“As long as you remain peaceful and law abiding people, the state will ensure that its security personnel act professionally, in keeping you safe because they and their families also have a stake in a peaceful election. Certainly, afflictions shall not rise a second time.
“Again, I call on the youth to resolve not to be instruments in the hands of politicians who don’t wish our people well. Those who divide and pitch us against ourselves are not of us; they are not our friends, they are our enemies and we must avoid them,” Amaechi said.
