By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated a grand solidarity march with a turnout of one million individuals in unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu.
This event attracted supporters of President Tinubu from diverse political affiliations within the state.
The “One Million-Man March” was orchestrated by the Rivers State Chapter of the “Renewed Hope Family” and was spearheaded by Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee.
The primary objective of this demonstration was to showcase the extensive support for President Tinubu and underscore the unified zeal for his leadership among the residents of the state.
The solidarity march commenced from the GRA junction on the Port Harcourt-Aba expressway, with participants engaging in chants and dances within numerous groups that congregated for the rally. The procession proceeded through the bustling road, culminating at the APC secretariat located between Market Junction and Ist Attelary area.
As early as 7:30 am, a large number of participants had gathered at the GRA flyover, taking control of the roundabout and causing significant traffic congestion during the peak rush hour.
Subsequently, the procession advanced from that point with various musical ensembles, drummers, and participants brandishing diverse Renewed Hope placards as they danced to the rhythm of the music.
At the APC secretariat, leaders of the groups forming the amalgamation of the Renewed Hope family expressed their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, the Rivers State APC under the stewardship of Chief Okocha, and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, whom they unanimously acknowledged as the leader of the family in Rivers State, despite still being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing the participants at the party secretariat, Chief Tony Okocha, the chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Rivers State APC, highlighted that the solidarity march was a demonstration of support for President Tinubu and the Minister of FCT, whom he lauded as pivotal members of the Renewed Hope family in Rivers State.
He extolled President Tinubu as a transformative figure for Nigeria.
“Dear compatriots of Nigeria, my fellow residents of Rivers State, I present to you with utmost conviction and unwavering certainty that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a beacon of hope for our nation,” he proclaimed.
He emphasized that the President had initiated the reversal of the political, economic, and socio-cultural challenges that Nigeria had endured over the past three to five decades.
“I firmly believe that the President, who assumed office just a year ago, cannot rectify the decay of the past 30 to 50 years within a single year,” he stated.
“So, it is a progressive process that commenced on the day he took the oath of office. The President had declared that a significant factor eroding Nigeria’s economy, known as fuel subsidy, had been eradicated. As a result, governments at various levels are now allocating substantial funds for development.”
He further elucidated that upon completion, the ongoing coastal highway project would catalyze economic activities in the nation and position Nigeria as an industrial hub.
“I am cognizant that the most extensive and impactful project spanning the breadth of Nigeria is currently under construction under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he expressed.
“This project is estimated to cost Nigeria N15 trillion and requires a visionary leader like Tinubu, who possesses a generous spirit and is dedicated to uplifting the populace. Hence, it is no surprise that his guiding principle is ‘Renewed Hope.’ The coastal highway project is not merely a promise; it is actively progressing. Once finalized, this thoroughfare will traverse multiple states, invigorating economic endeavors and positioning Nigeria as a global industrial powerhouse.”
Referring to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, he hailed him as the foundational figure in the Renewed Hope family in Rivers State, attributing to him the success of President Buhari in the presidential election in Rivers State.
“That distinguished individual is a reformer, an all-knowing and all-doing personality, the prime leader of the Renewed Hope family in Rivers State, and the most effective Minister of the Federal Republic,” he acclaimed.
Characterizing him as someone with the ‘Midas touch,’ he disclosed that they had been actively pursuing his defection to the APC.
“And as you may recall, we have been imploring him to join the APC. This event is yet another endeavor to entice him to join the APC and assist us in securing electoral victories for President Buhari, particularly in the upcoming 2027 elections.”
