Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared that the state will vote against any candidate who does not respect its political competency before the general elections in 2023.
He reiterated that he is currently in total charge and that anyone caught robbing the state’s finances will not be supported for election as governor of Rivers State.
During the commissioning of the Orochiri-Worukwo (Waterlines junction) Flyover, which was completed by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Wike made the announcement yesterday in Port Harcourt.
According to Governor Wike, the workings of contemporary politics have made it undesirable to just give votes away without the assurance of concrete advantages for the population.
He stated: “If you claim that Rivers State is unimportant, Rivers State will promptly let you know that you are unimportant as well. If you don’t like us, neither will we. If you like us, we’ll like you too.
“Nobody will misuse our votes in any way. The candidates we select to support must be beneficial to Rivers State since our votes will be counted.
Politics now involves more than just casting a ballot; you also need to think about what you will do for the people of Rivers State.
Wike highlighted how difficult it will be for anyone to reverse the vote pattern and support for the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State (PDP).
“Don’t trust a word anyone tells you about coming here to become governor of Rivers State, my visitor from Lagos State. It will not happen.
Regarding the State’s treasury, he issued the following warning: “I have challenged anyone who raided the state’s coffers to stay away from running for governor of Rivers State.
“I am in total command. People don’t come to Abuja just to meet with me; I’m not that governor. I am in total command here.
In addition, Governor Wike asked anyone who disagreed with his development initiatives to show their own power by completing projects and asking well-known personalities to dedicate them.
He clarified that, in addition to the governor of Lagos State, individuals from a number of political parties have previously been invited to kick off projects in Rivers State.
When the seventh flyover was opened, Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, commended Governor Wike for his commitment to building physical infrastructure in Rivers State.
“My brother, Governor Wike, deserves special praise for his steadfast dedication to the construction of physical infrastructure in Rivers State. Everyone has recognized his dedication, which has given him the nickname “Mr. Projects” both inside and outside of Rivers State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who holds a different political stance from Governor Wike, claims that the invitation extended to him sends a very strong message that politicians and political leaders can work together despite ideological and political differences for the benefit of the people.
A powerful message is also being given today about developing our capacity to engage in politics without hostility. My friend and brother made a gesture that should become customary practice across Nigeria.
We can transfer what we’ve learned from one part of the country to another, and we also have a lot to learn from one another.
In the end, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “We are all in politics to improve the lives of the people; to provide them the benefits of democracy. Without a doubt, Governor Wike has spent the previous seven years concentrating on this, as has Lagos.
In his speech, Juergen Fischer, the regional manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, claimed that the opening of the 7th Flyover, which had been constructed with their support, had made history.
He thanked Governor Wike for entrusting Julius Berger Nigeria Plc with the management of such significant projects on behalf of the State Government.
