As the buildup to the Local Government election in Rivers State continues in top gear, political parties have been counseled to have a united approach in fielding credible candidates with a track record of competence and honesty for elective positions.

This counsel was given when a coalition of chairmen of registered political parties in Eleme local government area visited pastor Jonathan Olaka, a longtime friend of the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking during the visit, pastor Jonathan Olaka stated that Governor Fubara had communicated his peaceful disposition by directing the conduct of local government elections and therefore the ball was now in the court of the political parties at the local government level to field candidates that will consolidate on the peaceful posture of the governor during election. He noted that if political parties put their structure in order and synergise with a ‘give and take mindset’, the forthcoming election will be the most peaceful the state has ever had.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and supervisor for works and housing, Emmanuel Osarokio commended pastor Jonathan for the warm reception stating that the coalition was committed to deepening democracy and ready to partner with pastor Jonathan Olaka and other leaders in Eleme to entrench peace during the forthcoming LGA election.

On his part, chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Eleme Olaka Olaka stated that the coalition was steadfast in its resolve for a peaceful election. He urged pastor Jonathan to contest the chairmanship position on the platform of one of the political parties having had an established reputation as a man of peace.

Also speaking, chairman of Accord in Eleme LGA, Emmanuel Nwafor noted that the coalition in Eleme LGA was in synergy with the Solsuema Osaro led Inter-Partyarty Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State and will not hesitate to give the needed support to Governor Siminalayi Fubara whenever called upon. He stated that Eleme needs people like pastor Jonathan Olaka to amplify the efforts of Governor Fubara in Eleme LGA.

On his part, the South-south and South-East coordinator of the Simplified Grassroot Mobilisers, Smith Allison expressed satisfaction that political parties in Eleme are synergizing for development in Eleme. He noted that Governor Fubara is from the Rivers southeast senatorial District and is committed to the development of the area. He appealed to political parties in Eleme to ensure that their actions doesn’t contradict the governors development agenda for the area.

Other political parties represented in the coalition includes the Social Democratic Party SDP, National Rescue Movement NRM, Accord, Zenith Labour party ZLM, Labour party, Action Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Youth Party YP, African Action Congress AAC and the Action Alliance AA.