•Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe
A coalition of militant leaders under the aegis of the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA and nine other militant groups in the Niger Delta region have declared support for the governorship aspiration of Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State.
According to the militant leaders, Umakhihe is an astute administrator with vast experience and qualification in accounting and has shown capacity in the area of peace advocacy and leadership needed by the people of Edo State, reports Daily Sun.
RNDA after an enlarged meeting of the various commanders of the other nine militant groups in the creeks of Bini River in Egbema Axis in Edo State presided over by the General Commanding Officer of RNDA, Major General JohnMark Ezonebi also known as Obama, declared that after a review of the various governorship aspirants in the Edo Governorship race, they have decided to throw their weight behind Umakhihe because is a trailblazer, he has contributed to the overall development of Edo State through his previous positions held.
“He has been known to give needed attention to youth empowerment projects and social welfare for students empowerment, and many others to mention while he was serving the country as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security”.
“We have critical checked and analyzed the track record and antecedents of Dr Enerst Umakhihe, and we were all convinced that he will drastically and dramatically transform the economy and social life of the Edo people, which all parts of the State will be carried along and the people will have a sense of belonging. Therefore, as a militant group we are well pleased to identify with the candidature of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, and we see him as our Governor in waiting”, the group said.
They noted that if APC is serious about winning the election, it should ensure a free, fair and credible primary election is conducted which would pave the way for the emergence of Umakhile as the candidate to lead the party to victory in the governorship election.
