Wike Asks Opposition To Support Fubara In Rivers Interest  

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has enjoined opposition political parties that lost in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state to join the governor-elect, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to continue and consolidate the state’s present development trajectory.

The governor said with the elections over, all political actors genuinely interested in moving the state forward should embrace reconciliation that will guarantee peaceful coexistence of all.

Wike spoke yesterday during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), thanksgiving service held at All Saints Cathedral (Anglican Communion), Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, in honour of the governor-elect, his deputy and other elected representatives of Rivers State at the national and state house of assembly.

He tasked opposition parties that wish to seek legal redress in the election petition tribunal to reconsider their stance and prioritise the development of the state above personal ambition.

The governor said, “I urge those who are going to tribunal that they should leave it, let Rivers State move forward. Support the governor-elect to move Rivers State forward.”

Wike noted that some of those who are bent on seeking legal redress at the election petition tribunal, knew Rivers people rejected them at the poll for defrauding the state government of $50 million, hence, their going to the tribunal is aimed at distracting the governor-elect just as they did to his administration.

He said, “If we were not focused, we would have been distracted and that is what they want to do now, by making sure the governor-elect is distracted. I want to urge you (Fubara) don’t be afraid.

“God who gave you the mantle will never disappoint you. Be focused, and do the work you have been elected for. Leave the tribunal for your lawyers to do their work. Focus in your work. God will lead you through.”

Citing the tremendous developmental achievements recorded by his administration in all the 23 local government areas of the state since 2015, the governor said it is disingenuous for any political party to accuse the PDP of rigging the 2023 election in the State.

He said, “We are proud and that is why we are able to sell ourselves. When people say there was fraud, I ask fraud committed by who?  You mean with all we have done, with what PDP has showcased about the performance of the administration in this state, that we will bother ourselves on how to rig election. Certainly not possible.”

Wike, who implored the church to consistently intercede and make supplication for the governor-elect  and his incoming administration to succeed, pointed to the fact that Rivers is a very strategic state and  lots of persons within and outside the state have vested interest in it.

The governor advised his successor to be firm and resolute in defending the interest of the state irrespective of whose horse is gored.

According him, he had defended the state and was proud that, “As I am going, I am going very satisfied. My shoulders are high that I am finishing well because that has been my dream.”

The governor charged those elected to represent the State in the National Assembly to prioritise the interest of the State.