Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has urged Nigerians not to vote for any candidate supporting the manner in which the currency redesign policy is being implemented in the forthcoming election.
Governor Wike spoke at Opobo Town Sandfield during the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign flag-off rally for Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area on Saturday.
The governor explained that such a candidate is an enemy of Nigerians, who are already plunged into inexplicable economic hardship with the nonavailability of both the old and new Naira notes to enable them buy food for their households and fuel for their cars.
Governor Wike said he is convinced that President Muhammadu Buhari, who may not have been properly briefed on the hardship the Naira swap is causing Nigerians, is already getting feedback on the ill-advised policy and will review the implementation.
“Anybody who claims he loves Nigeria and is contesting the election but is supporting this CBN policy. Will you people vote for such a person? It is only the enemies of Nigeria that are supporting this anti-people policy. I believe President Muhammadu Buhari was not properly briefed about this policy.”
Governor Wike insisted the policy is being implemented to provoke the civil populace into embarking on public protests that could be used as an excuse to postpone the forthcoming election.
The governor pointed out that there is already a cabal behind the policy implementation and they are pushing to install an interim government which, will prevent Nigerians from using the permanent voters’ cards to determine their next leaders.
“The primary target of this policy is to provoke Nigerians to embark on civil disturbance which they will capitalise on to say they cannot conduct the election and push for the enthronement of an interim government. No matter the provocation, I urge everyone to be calm. This election must hold because nothing will stop an Opobo man to become governor.”
Challenging former minister of transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, on the virtue of integrity, Governor Wike urged the former Minister to explain why former President Olusegun Obasanjo sacked him from his cabinet.
He said as a man of integrity, he served as minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, later resigned honourably to contest the governorship election and won.
The governor asserted Rivers people to know that he is not among those who had caused crisis in their local governments and has blood on their hands. He dared Dr. Sekibo to also make similar assertion.
Campaigning for the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, who he described as dependable and loyal, governor Wike enjoined Opobo people not to undermine the opportunity that they have now to produce the next governor of the State.
He assured of signing the contract for the construction of Opobo Ring-Road, which will be completed by Fubara when he wins the election and assumes office as governor.
Governor Wike also told them to deliver their votes for all PDP candidates and await instructions from their leaders on the presidential candidate to cast votes for.
The Rivers State governorship candidate of the PDP, Sir Siminialayi Fubara restated his promise to the leadership of the party to never disappoint the confidence reposed in him to fly the party gubernatorial flag.
Fubara urged Opobo people to deliver their votes as an appreciation of the opportunity given to their son to become the next governor of the State.
He acknowledged the benevolence of governor Wike in delivering road infrastructure and land reclamation projects in Opobo town, and assured that they will benefit more when he wins.
Presenting flags of PDP candidates, Chairman of the party in Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor enjoined Opobo people to ensure that they deliver winning votes for their son, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara and all the candidates of the party.
In his speech, Senator Adawari Pepple expressed gratitude to governor Wike for deeming it necessary to support their son to be PDP flag bearer for governorship.
Senator Pepple asserted that a true Opobo citizen is a loyal person and Sir. Siminialayi Fubara will not disappoint the confidence reposed in him. He assured that the entire Opobo people will follow governor Wike wherever he goes and vote as he directs.
Dr. Sam Jaja acknowledged that governor Wike has used his position to give prominence to an Ijaw son of Ibani extraction. According to him, they have resolved that their votes will be wholesomely delivered for the PDP governorship candidate and the entire consolidation team.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Senator Barinada Mpegi said the entire Rivers South East Senatorial District is fully ready to vote massively for all PDP candidates.
Earlier, governor Wike, Fubara and other PDP leaders had paid a courtesy visit to the palace of His Majesty, King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
The King in appreciation of the governor’s benevolence to the Opobo kingdom conferred on him ‘Amafurotuo’ which means son of Opobo.
