He continued by saying the party was prepared to put an end to the agitation by recruiting young aspirants and encouraging them to run for political office.
Speaking about Ms. Dikeh and Tonte Ibraye, the party’s candidates for governor of Rivers, Mr. Nwosu said: “This two are under 40, they are 37 years old.
And because the general elections in 2023 are at their height, the people of Rivers and all Nigerians are being challenged.
Nigerian youths have been arguing that they are not too young to run for office and that they should be supported in politics for the past ten years.
“And the ADC had determined to sign post that with the team we have assembled for Rivers.
Nwosu expressed hope that Rivers would champion a shift in the national narrative with the help of the team.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Dikeh said that the nation was currently experiencing a pivotal period in its social and political history, adding that desperate measures should not, however, always be the last resort.
The actress claimed that in order to overcome the problems facing Rivers and Nigeria in general, a technical approach was required.
“It is clear that the majority of Nigerians, and the good people of Rivers in particular, have long complained about how democratic governance and developmental dividends have fallen short of best practises internationally.
We have also bemoaned the lack of opportunities given to selfless, energetic, and creative youths to participate in and make their fair share of contributions to the development of their states, with a particular focus on Rivers, where I am from.
“But a technical approach is needed to salvage the plights of our dear state,” she added.
She attributed the high rate of youth unemployment they were experiencing to restlessness, insecurity, and other social vices in the nation, adding that she would assist in resolving the issue if given the chance.
She explained that she would deal with the issue by developing strategies for job creation and making sure that more young people and women were included in governance by giving them key roles in the development of Rivers, where their ideas and strength could be effectively utilised.
“Through my foundation, The Tonto Dikeh Foundation, I have positively impacted the lives of millions of less fortunate people as a patriotic Nigerian who advocates for good governance.
“I will play a crucial role in moving our dear state forward,” she said, citing her experience in governance, leadership, and administration from the Committee of Youth on Mobilization Sensitization (CYMS).
She characterised Ibraye as a gentleman with a steadfast passion for redefining the future of Rivers, as well as a grounded individual in international development endeavours.
She claimed that his goal was to establish a Rivers where there would be interethnic harmony and community growth across the board.
Ms. Dikeh stated that accepting the nomination as the ADC 2023 Rivers deputy governorship candidate was not only a good idea, but also the right thing to do.
“After careful consideration with my family, my esteemed colleagues, friends, and political associates, and after seeking the face of God, my ultimate helper.
“I Amb. Tonto Dikeh, a proud daughter of Ikwere land, hereby accept to be the running mate to Hon. Tonte Ibraye, as his deputy governorship candidate on the ADC platform, ahead of the general election, to work diligently with him in becoming the next governor of Rivers in 2023.
“This decision is geared toward helping him take over Rivers for the sole interest of the old and young, rich and poor, irrespective of their class or religion if they live in Rivers,” she said.
She stated that she would take advantage of the chance to advance her career in politics and government, inspire and encourage other women and young people to become politically active so they could participate in the process of formulating policy and making decisions.
Dikeh thanked the party’s leadership for the chance and urged her supporters, teaming supporters, Rivers sons and daughters, and all other eligible voters to get their PVCs ready for the task at hand, emphasising that the future was now.
