Governor Nyesom Wike of River State has affirmed that Rivers State is the heart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and nobody can initimidate the state into joining another party.
He made the assertion on Thursday, at the flag-off ceremony for the sand-filling and land reclamation of Okrika New Town and Okochiri Internal Roads in Okrika Local Government Area.
The governor noted that those leaving the PDP were persons who have done nothing while in office and are seeking protection for their shortcomings by joining the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“We are not afraid. We are here, I am here. Rivers State is here and nobody can intimidate us. If Nigeria is Nigeria then Rivers State is part of Nigeria and nobody can toil with us.
“If we are angry with PDP, we will fight it there. I will not run away. It’s a family fight, if you can win me, you win, if I win you, so be it. And we will always win.”
According to him, there is no attraction that will make him join the APC or betray the trust of his supporters. He noted that he is too busy to make himself available to be taken by another governor to Aso Rock to have a shake with the president to celebrate defection.
Governor Wike stressed it makes no meaning to join a party that has not done anything good in Rivers State and has no record of success in delivering development to Nigerians.
“This is one State, if PDP will want to appreciate States, this is one state that PDP should commend. Every day, if you’re a Christian, and if you’re a Moslem, you should say God bless Rivers State. God protect Rivers State.
“This is one State that, for whatever it is, is the hub of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Whether anybody wants to like us, you don’t want to like us, if we do anything otherwise, then people will know the difference.
“And they know we can’t do anything otherwise because we don’t believe in giving flimsy excuses.”
Speaking about the land reclamation project, the governor explained its importance for the coastal community of Okrika, adding that it will avail them more land for expansion and future development.
He said his administration identifies and carry out projects that meet the direct needs of the people.
The governor added that although most politicins have lost the trust people have in them because of their failure to fufil electoral promises, that he can be trusted because he fufils promises.
“People have lost credibility and integrity and people now say politicians can not be trusted. It’s not true. I can be trusted, PDP Rivers state can be trusted.”
Performing the flag-off, PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) noted the landmark projects in Okrika as a show of courage and boldness of Governor Wike to develop the entire State.
According to Jegede, the governor has provided trusted leadership and has become the model for a new crop of leaders that are emerging across the country.
“I saw that there is a new phase of development in Port Harcourt, the reconstruction of the roads that are going on. And I wondered, what about the other communities? I know Rivers State has 23 local governments.
“So, I’m not surprised today that we are in Okrika local government and that we are flagging off this project, land reclamation. I know that land has been a challenge to the people of Okrika. I love your courage, sir. I love what you’re doing for this community.”
Describing the prject, the Special Adviser to Governor Wike on Special Projects, George-Kelly Alabo said the sand-filling and land reclamation project will secure 25 hectares of land that will provide about 536 plots of land for the Okrika people, noting the project will be completed in 9 months.
Alabo stated that for the Okochiri Internal Roads, 9 roads with a total measurement of 5.642 km and 7.3 m wide will be reconstructed for the people and will be ready in 12 months.
