Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday presented Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Banigo, as his running mate for the 2015 elections in the state.

He described her as a leader with uncommon traits, explaining that the choice of Mrs. Banigo was informed by the desire to create a special place for women to play active role in the politics and development of the state.

Banigo, a career public servant, at various times, held offices such as permanent secretary, Head of Service, HoS, and Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) before retiring from the state public service.

A Kalabari from Degema Local Government Area of the state, Banigo had her MBBS from the University of Ibadan in 1976 and also attended some first-rated universities overseas, including Harvard University (1981) and the University of London (1990 and 1992), respectively.

Speaking during the presentation, Wike said the task of picking the deputy governor took a long time in order to get the right person for the job, adding that it was more challenging because of what he described as the deep rot in governance in the state.

He said: “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.”

In her acceptance speech, Dr Banigo said the event was history-making, adding that she was honoured to be considered and nominated as the Rivers PDP deputy governorship candidate.

She described her nomination as a honour for Rivers’ women, promising that she would deploy her experience to the service of the state, especially the empowerment of women.

From National Mirror