Political stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the Managing Director of the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency (RISAA), Aye Pepple to contest the forthcoming Local Government election.

This was the consensus at a stakeholders meeting on Sunday, August 11, 2024 held at the Women’s Hall, Bonny, Rivers State.

Speaking, a former CTC Chairman of Bonny LGA, Hilkiah Igoni stated that “I have known Aye Pepple since 1998; in fact, his political godfather told me he is the man to watch,” noting that the RISAA boss has sustained his political sagacity till date.

He asserted that Pepple’ youthfulness, presence of mind and pragmatism is an advantage asit would position better to provide the needed leadership for Bonny people, adding that “he is knowledgeable, he is experienced and he knows the game of governance”.  

Also speaking, a former Leader of the Bonny Legislative Assembly, Miriam Hart called on Aye Pepple to come and change the narrative of governance, noting that the former lawmaker is visionary about development and his antecedents speak for him, expressing confidecen that “the whole Bonny will support him”.  

On his part, a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bonny LGA, Israel Pepple called for equity, pointing out that the riverine axis of Bonny has had its fair share of political appointments, which he said includes the Leader of Bonny Legislative Assembly, LGA Chairman, Speaker of the State Assembly, and House of Representatives member.

He asserted that it is time for the upland areas to produce the Local Government Chairman, reminiscing that the erstwheil political leaders of the LGA, Reginald Wilcox, a former Commissioner for Power, and Rodaford Longjohn, a former Commissioner for Local Governments, set template for political equity and equal opportunity in the LGA.

Declaring that the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara dislikes injustice, Pepple insisted that he (Governor) will ensure that justice, fairness and equity is maintained, adding that “on behalf of the riverine, I call on Hon. Aye Pepple to contest the forthcoming local government election”.

Adding his voice to clamour, a former stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bonny LGA, Tammy Martins-Brown stated that during his time as CTC Chairman of Bonny LGA and member of the State House of Assembly, Aye Pepple left footprints in every part of Bonny LGA.

“He is open to everyone, he is accessible, you can always reach him at anytime to discuss issues with him. He’s the right man for the job. We all know that he left footprints as CTC Chairman and House of Assembly member. We can have confidence in him that he will deliver.”   

Other speakers, whih included the Assistant Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Victor Pepple, a former Chairman of the Bonny Integrated Recruitment Center, Aladiokuma Hart, party stalwarts, Ernest Allison, Sotonye Ibiama, Ibikunu Apiafi-Brown and Idawarifagha Benstowe, all extolled the leadership qualities of the former lawmaker.

They listed his erstwhile performances while occupying various positions, noting that the affections of Bonny people are with him, asserting that he will make judicious use of the resources of the LGA if given the opportunity to serve as Chairman, urging Bonny people to rally around him, while calling on him to heed the call of Bonny people to contest the forthcoming polls.

Responding, the RISAA Managing Director, Aye Pepple expressed his appreciation to the various stakeholders for endorsing him to run for the office of Chairman, Bonny LGA, acknowledging that he actually has the fundamental qualities as enumerated by them to lead the people of Bonny LGA.

He, however, stated that given that he is still the chief executive of one of the State Govenrment owned parastatals, he would need to take their resolution to his boss, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and seek his approval to heed their call.

He insisted that it was time for equity, fairness and justice in the choice of who occupies the office of LGA Chairman, stressing that democracy is participatory in nature, pointing out that his successes in previously held positions were because he listens to the people and does their bidding.

This endorsement of Aye Pepple by some political stakeholders in Bonny LGA and the call on him to contest instantly tweaks the political permutations of how the election is likely to turn out.

This is given that prior to this time the political climate was still hazy as to who the likely contestants were.