PDP RIVERS 2015: THE BIG FOUR! While they’ve virtually done all they can to garner the support of Rivers people and the political class, their fate now rests on the balance, as no one knows to whose favour, the pendulum will swing in the PDP. Amidst the rancour and alleged sectionalism within the Party, it is still being imagined how the PDP intends to organise a free and fair Primaries in Rivers State. However, regardless of the perceived challenge within the Party, one thing is certain, as feelers indicate, one of these men will emerge flag bearer of the PDP and go on to become Governor of Rivers State. We analyse their chances and leave you with the decision of who best fits the bill. BEKINBO DAGOGO-JACK TONYE PRINCEWILL NIMI WALSON-JACK DUMO LULU-BRIGGS __________________________________ BEKINBO DAGOGO-JACK Hails from Abonnema in Akuku-toru local government area of Rivers State. Has had a long history of public service both in the State and National level. One time Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, Engr. Beks as he is fondly called is a close associate of the Northern Oligarchy and has built close ties with their business community and traditional institution. STRONG POINTS 1. Said to have the backing of the Economic Team of President Jonathan, of which he is a member. 2. He has the support of Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliyu Dangote. 3. He is currently Chairman Presidential Task Force on Power. 4. Strong public Service history WEAK POINTS 1. Alleged to be elitist with no touch at the grassroots. 2. Absence of any visible grassroots movement across Rivers State 3. Has not personally acknowledged or communicated his aspiration to govern Rivers State 4. No known agenda for the State. 5. Not known if agreeable to Chief Wike 6. Weak anti corruption stance TONYE PRINCEWILL Flamboyant Prince of Kalabari Kingdom and Scion of the Amayanabo of Kalabari, Prince Tonye Princewill is undoubtedly a digital politician with a unique media strategy. The fresh Prince of Kalabari Kingdom will definitely mesmerise anyone with his thought-provoking speeches and elegant looks. Tipped as a favourite among young people, Tonye is not a new entrant to the Guber race, as he has previously ran for Governor in 2007 under the ACN that has metamorphosed to APC. STRONG POINTS 1. Electoral experience and an army of allies across the State 2. Good looking and well educated 3. Good Business sense and experience 4. Ally of Billionaire former Vice President and current Presidential Aspirant of the APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. 5. Has an economic agenda for the State 6. Has personally communicated his bid to run for the office of Governor of Rivers State. 7. Strong online presence 8. Charismatic and intelligent 9. Uncompromising taste for excellence 10. Likeable and has empathy for the poor 11. Anti Amaechi 12. Young and energetic 13. Influencer and goal-getter WEAK POINTS 1. Doubtable capacity to unite the political class 2. Previous anti-Jonathan posture may be a liability 3. Inactive grassroots movement 4. No enduring public service experience 5. Not known if agreeable to Chief Wike 6. Affinity with PDM, a political party alleged to be sponsored by VP Atiku Abubakar NIMI WALSON-JACK Oguta-born and Ogoni-bred American/British trained Civil and Democracy Activist and Lawyer, Nimi Walson-Jack, a former member of the Constituent Assemby and National Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association has a pedigree that always leave serious minds dazed. He is seen as the most transparent, organised and visible aspirant of the PDP. The only one with a comprehensive agenda for governance and also the only one born poor, as his online profile indicates. Feelers have it that he is the only child among 6 children of his mother to be fortunate to get educated. Many pitch him as the most serious aspirant. He hails from Abonnema in Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State. STRONG POINTS 1. Most active grassroots network 2. Long and in-depth public service experience 3. Has communicated his aspiration to govern Rivers State and began consultations over a year ago. 4. Published agenda for the State 5. Involvement of volunteers in campaign 6. Ability to unite the political class 7. Strong anti corruption stance and courageous disposition to life 8. Strong Social Media presence 9. Likeable and said to have empathy for the poor 10. Has the only functional campaign office with several active support staff 11. Long standing ally of President Jonathan 12. Good looking and charismatic WEAK POINTS 1. Not well known among young people 2. Cashless, No big backer or funder 3. Said to be a friend of Governor Amaechi 4. Not known if agreeable to Chief Wike 5. New Entrant to the Guber race DUMO LULU-BRIGGS Multi Billionaire Son of Oil and Gas mogul, Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs, has everything going for him; money, means and magic. The owner of the defunct Illusions Night Club and several other business interests is the most dashing, dazzling and audacious of all the aspirants. Big Spender and flamboyant, Dumo Lulu-Briggs has an army of fans who throng on him almost daily to get a taste of his evanescent benevolence. STRONG POINTS 1 Ally of President Jonathan. 2. Large War Chest 3. Charitable 4. Electoral experience and an army of allies across the State 5. Has communicated bid to run for office 6. Connected with good network of friends in high places. 7. Anti Amaechi 8. Agreeable to Chief Wike WEAK POINTS 1. No active grassroots network 2. No known agenda for the State 3. No enduring public service history 4. Doubtable capacity to unite the political class.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 12:00:58 +0000