Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Sampson Parker the Commissioner for Health during the administration of Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with over 2,000 of his supporters at the Okochiri Stadium in Okrika, Rivers State on Sunday.
“There comes a time in the life of a man when he is called by man and God to make decisions that are right but may not be popular,” Parker said at the event graced by Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State.
“Those are pivotal times in the life of such an individual when he must look into the deep recesses of his heart. He must consider what the judgment of posterity will be; the impact on his family, community and friends. Yes, when we get to those crossroads of history we demphasize self but rather pray that history and generations unborn will be kind and understanding when they pass judgement.”
He stated that coming back to the PDP fold was like home coming to him.
“Yes, the PDP has been a family I have missed. The Odili political family shrunk when we journeyed to other places but this is the beginning of our comeback,” Parker said.
“While I ask for nothing other than your love and understanding, I bring with me my wealth of experience and the support of my friends who are on this journey with me. I pledge my loyalty to our great party today as I did about 20 years ago. My conscience and my soul is at peace with my decision and that is the ultimate judge.”
Dr. Parker who commended Governor Wike for his monumental strides in infrastructural development declared that the vision he had about Rivers State is materializing right before his eyes.
“Your Excellency right here in Rivers State we have seen traditional rulers been given ample opportunity and great support to perform their social responsibilities to their people,” he said.
“May I use this opportunity to thank you for recognizing my own Traditional ruler King Ateke Michael Tom, The Amayanabo of Okochiri, Sekuro of Niger Delta, who has in no small measure provided peaceful co-existence amongst our people thereby reducing crime to the barest minimum promoting human capital development and economic empowerment all because of your support.”
According to Dr. Parker, his experience as a medical doctor and also having been in the corridor of power for long, he has never witnessed such progress in such a short time with so limited resources as it is today in the state, under the watch of Governor Wike, noting that Rivers state has gotten back our oil wells wrongfully allotted to our neighbouring state.
He said security has improved remarkably which also impacts on the cult and criminal activities.
“I am therefore not surprised at your robust urban development program, preparing Port Harcourt for greater glory, by the Grace of God haven worked with you; I know what you are capable of doing” Dr. Parker further stressed.
The former Commissioner said haven seen all the undisputable glaring facts on the ground and haven been led by God and in full consultation with his people and in full support of his traditional ruler he has decided to move over with two thousand (2000) of his supporters from APC to join the relevant train of “Mr. project’’ to project the state towards continual prosperity.
“Today I formally and happily return back to my family the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Your excellency, I thank you for this opportunity and I am grateful to my people in Okirika who have welcomed me back to the fold”. Dr. Parker quipped.
Receiving Dr. Parker into the PDP fold Rivers State governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said “Dr. Parker was one of those God used alongside some of us to bring Amaechi in as Governor of Rivers State in 2007.
“We thought that from that time, everybody will be united, but we didn’t know that some persons had different plans, but God’s plan is always the best.
“When I was leaving in 2012, I told Dr. Parker that things are not moving well