The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has named Dr. Ipalibo Banigo as his running mate ahead of the 2015 election.
Banigo, who is a former Head of Service in the state was chosen after a careful selection process.
Dr. Banigo from Degema Local Government Area, in the Kalabari region of Rivers State, attended the University of Ibadan where she obtained her Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery in 1976, the Harvard in 1981 and the University of London in 1990.
Presenting her to the party stakeholders at his campaign office, Wike described his running mate as a rare breed and a leader with uncommon traits.
The former Minister said his decision to pick a woman as his Deputy was borne out of the PDP’s promise to give women their place in the politics of the state.
According to Wike, “The search has ended. Dr. (Mrs) Banigo is a rare breed and a leader with uncommon traits. She will join us to rebuild the state.
“Her choice was informed by the need to create a special place for women to play active role in the politics of the state.
“Since 1967 when the state was created, no woman has been given such an opportunity. Yet, the history of the state is replete with women of great achievements. The time has come to give women the chance to play pivotal roles in the state.
“Rivers PDP is determined to move away from the primordial era of treating women with disdain and indignity. We want to move away from the acts of our opponents who relish giving out token to women.
“As a first step, Rivers PDP decided that a woman should occupy the post.”
In her acceptance speech, Banigo, who said she was honoured, promise to work for the growth and unity of the state.
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