By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT— IT was a dramatic scene, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as the eastern leadership of Ijaw National Congress, INC, attempted to adopt the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Dakuku Peterside, as its candidate.

National President of the body, Chief Boma Ibiforibo, was addressing newsmen on the decision of the eastern region to adopt Peterside, when other chieftains of the body started shouting that the adoption was not a collective decision.

Ibiforibo said: “In light of this and in line with the time-honoured principle of power rotation, INC, Easter Zone, the authentic voice of Ijaw people, Ijaw elders and leaders, has endorsed Peterside of APC as the preferred, most viable and qualified candidate of all.

“We urge all Ijaw people in Rivers State and appeal to our Rivers brethren in the upland parts of the state to cast your votes for Peterside.”

Martins Amapipi and Anthony Ibiforu were among those that rejected Ibiforibo’s pronouncement.

Amapipi said: “The INC President is not in touch with the people. The endorsement of Peterside is a kangaroo arrangement because as enlightened Ijaw men, we are not in support of Peterside.

“We will not support anybody that worked against our son, President Goodluck Jonathan. We are bruised emotionally.

“Jonathan is the best performing President, but he is from the minority and was edged out. We will continue to identify with Jonathan and work for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.”

Ibiforu said: “We cannot support Dakuku because he did not protect our interest as Ijaw people when he was a commissioner.”