Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has appealed to leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the south-south region to support his presidential ambition.

Amaechi spoke when he addressed the ADC South-south leaders meeting held at the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Security was beefed up around Reservation Road, where Oyegun’s house is located.

The increased security around Oyegun’s residence was due to Tuesday’s incident in which yet-to-be-identified thugs destroyed vehicles of ADC chieftains parked in front of Oyegun’s house.

The national leader of the ADC, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke at the meeting, said he was glad the former Rivers State Governor took advantage of the meeting to formally inform them of his intention ‘to run for the President of our great Nation.’

He said, “We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for leaders in the zone. For not letting loose in his zone and setting up his personal structure, for ensuring, like any good son, that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it.

“A unanimous decision has been taken to give him all the support he needs to pursue his ambition. We are going to meet regularly. This group of leaders will meet regularly to interact and to learn from each other’s experiences. The South-south zone will become an example to be emulated by other zones. I think that reflects this decision. Many Speakers emphasise that we hope the government will approach the run-up to the election by allowing peace and stability to reign and eschewing violence. We in the ADC are committed.”

The former Edo Governor also expressed doubt over the ability of the police to arrest the gunmen who attacked the party’s Secretariat and his residence.

He said he was not sure if anyone had been arrested in connection with the attack.

He said, “I am not sure if an arrest has been made. I am also not sure if an arrest will be made, considering the nature of the event.

“Imagine people bearing arms in broad daylight and being seen, and no one has been arrested up till now.

“The security agencies gave us a hint of the attack that saved us. We had to quickly bring the programme to an end. We barely got to my house when we heard that the secretariat had been attacked by thugs bearing arms.

“If we were still there when they attacked the secretariat, we wouldn’t be saying what we are saying now.”

Chief Oyegun assured that the ADC would do what it takes to make the party the choice of Nigerians.

He stated that the public was on his party’s side, adding that this would be the first time a party was together at the behest of the masses.

He added, “With what is happening in our nation, an emergency rescue is needed, and as a party, we will ensure that Nigerians remain the crux of governance.” (The Nation)