Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has enjoined opposition parties to join the governor-elect, Siminailayi Fubara, to consolidate the State’s current development trajectory.
Wike said with the elections over, all political actors including those that lost in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the State, genuinely interested in moving the State forward should embrace reconciliation that will guarantee the peaceful coexistence of all.
The made the recommendation on Sunday during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thanksgiving service held at All Saints Cathedral (Anglican Communion), Rumuokwurusi, 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.
According to him, “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 know that Rivers people rejected them at the poll for defrauding the State government of $50M. Hence, their going to the tribunal is aimed at distracting the governor-elect just as they did to his administration.
“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.”
The governor, who spoke about the strides of his administration, said it is disingenuous for any political party to accuse the PDP of rigging the 2023 election in the State.
“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 further advised his successor to be firm and resolute in defending the interest of the State irrespective of whose horse is gored.
“As I am going, I am going very satisfied. My shoulders are high that I am finishing well because that has been my dream.”
He charged those elected to represent the State in the National Assembly to prioritise the interest of the State, advising them not to go to Abuja and form a cartel in a bid to undermine the governor-elect, because those who embark on such futile adventure always live to regret it.
The governor thanked God for His benevolence as the PDP campaign team never recorded any accident or death throughout the campaign and even election in all the 23 local government areas of the State.
