RUPA Backs Peterside

A group known as Rivers
Upland Patriotic Assembly (RUPA) has pledged support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Rivers state, Dr Dakuku Peteside.
Addressing members of the newly constituted RUPA Committees in the 15 upland local government areas at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Chairman of the body, Comrade Joseph Agbo said their mission was to ensure equity in power sharing.
In his word, “the idea was come 2015, the next governor should come from the South-East Senatorial District and we have achieved that, so the next goal is to sensitise members to ensure Dr. Dakuku Peterside becomes the next governor.
“Rivers State needs a change and Dakuku is a presentable candidate…. As you get home, preach the gospel that our candidate will lead Rivers State at the next level.”
Speaking on behalf of members of the committee, the Coordinator of RUPA in Obio/Akpor local government area, Anthony Ihunwo thanked the body for choosing them as their representatives and pledged that they would do their best to achieve the goals expected of them.
The coordinators were drawn from 15 upland local government areas of Etche, Tai, Oyigbo, Abua-Odual Gokana, Port Harcourt City, Ikwerre, Omuma, Khana, Emohua, Ahoada-West, Eleme, Ahoada-East and Obio/Akpor.
Meanwhile, Chairman RUPA, Comrade Agbo has dismissed the view that Riverine/Upland power sharing is not binding on the parties.
Agbo argued that such views were faulty and selfish adding that “apart from land agreement other agreement could be verbal and it’s acceptable enough provided you abide by the spirit of the agreement, which is acceptable in the court of law.
While explaining that all agreements must not be written, Agbo said that it would be unfair to other ethnic groups to allow one area produce the governor for over 16 years.
He also faulted the view that power rotation will not give room for the best candidates to emerge, leading to ethnicity and mediocrity in the polity.