Banigo emerges Wike’s running mate in Rivers

Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike yesterday, announced, Dr Ipalibo Banigo (née Harry) as his running mate for the 2015 governorship election.

Wike, who addressed party faithful in Port Harcourt, said it took the party a fairly long search before it zeroed on Dr Banigo. Describing her as a woman of substance, Wike said it was time for women to occupy key positions in the mainstream politics of the state.

He said Banigo was the first female running mate to a governorship candidate in the state and would also emerge the first deputy governor of the state if the party wins the election in 2015.

“The challenge to pick the right person was very difficult because of the decay in governance. It took us long to come up with a name. Admittedly, the search had been long and difficult.

“It became necessary to pick a proper person whose experience will add value to our programmes and vision. She is a woman with an uncommon sense of duty, our great party has a robust transition that is gender sensitive and inclusive. That is why we are given women room to be active,” he said.

Wike said the party will also inaugurate its campaign council today to coordinate the various campaign committees to be set up.

On her part, Dr. Banigo, who was a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Head of Service and later Secretary to the State Government, said she accepted the offer with humility, promising to work harmoniously with the governorship candidate, Mr Wike. She appealed to all women to turn out en mass to vote for the PDP at all levels in the 2015 general polls.