Billionaire oil and gas magnate, Mr. Tonye Cole, has been revealed as the anointed candidate of Chief Rotimi Amaechi for the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.

Mr. Cole, co-founder of Sahara Energy Group, a devoted Christian and active minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is said to be preferred by Amaechi over others because he comes clean without any baggage of corruption. Mr. Cole leads the Nehemiah Team in RCCG and they are responsible for building infrastructure for the fast-growing mega church. He is comely and very humble.

Amaechi, a former governor and leader of the party in the state is also the Director General of President Buhari Campaign for second term and he is seen as one of the southern politicians that gets the good ears of the President.

The news which started as a rumour was later confirmed among the APC faithful via a Whatsapp message circulated among Rivers State APC members.

“We are aware that not all would find it easy to accept the decision but I am also conscious that the decision was made for the best interests of the party and the group. We are aware that interests are divergent and numerous. And that they can only coalesce if we get someone neutral; someone who is able to get every interests to converge as one. What is critical is victory.

“Loyalty is not only when it favours you but when you are tempted and stretched to your limits. Ventilate we must but to move ahead we also must as the battles ahead are numerous and tedious. You all urged me on to proceed to make a decision and swore to stand by that decision. The time has therefore come to so do. Good morning my fellow compatriots and wish that we stand with each other to bring down this evil Government. God bless all of us.”

Cole, a quiet corporate mogul and ideal gentleman, according to those familiar with him, has yet to respond formally to the news but insiders in Rivers APC said the news has created a pall of disbelief and shock with a probability of causing major rift within the party.

“This is what we said we don’t want in this party, imposition, and it is what Amaechi is trying to do. We do not need it at this time because take it or leave it, many people will jump ship is Amaechi has his way on this”, an aggrieved member told our reporter.