Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Some youths who claimed to be Ogonis today protested at Rivers State Government House gate burning tyres.

They said they were displeased with the choice of Dakuku Peterside as the consensus candidate  instead of their son, Senator Magnus Abe, an Ogoni representing Rivers South East Senatorial district.

The youths said Governor Chibuike Amaechi refused to influence the endorsement of Abe as the Governorship candidate for All Progressives Congress, APC.

Dakuku Peterside: consensus candidate

However, Tony Okocha,the Chief of Staff to Government House said the true identity of the protesters was in doubt because the decision on becomes the candidate of the party was strictly the business of APC as a party not Governor’s sole responsibility.

Okocha stated that those protesting did not even allow Government House officials to speak with them to know their grievances.

“What they did was to start bonfire in front of the Government House gate.If they are Ogonis protesting the decision of the party are they .not supposed to protest to the party at the party Secretariat?”

Meanwhile, Mr Honor Sirawo,the Spokesman for Senator Abe expressed shock at the protest and distanced Abe and his loyalists from the unruly protest.”Take it from me.Abe is not part of the protest.He didn’t authorise it and he is not a violent person. He is a Lawyer and a peaceful person. Take it from me Senator Aba condemns the violent protest at Government House gate”.

Abe’s spokesman said that at the appropriate time Abe will make his feelings known.

Meanwhile, Dakuku Adolphus Peterside was at the APC Secretariat along old GRA,directly opposite GRA Police Station to collect his governorship nomination form accompanied by teeming crowd of APC loyalists.

Addressing supporters after collecting his form, Dakuku said if he wins he will consolidate on the great achievements of Governor Chibuike Amaechi.