Blessing Iruoma
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has warned Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to stop demarketing the state.
The governor declared that Rivers electorate would cast their votes on February 25 presidential election for the candidate trusted to be a unifier and one that is committed to the unity of Nigeria.
Governor Wike made the assertion at the flag-off of the reconstruction and dualisation of Emohua Road to Abalama/Tema Junction.
Governor Wike said nothing could dissuade him and Rivers voters from the decision they have taken to that effect.
The Rivers State governor said the people summoned and addressed by presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja, over the weekend, were not true sons and daughters of Rivers State.
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“If such people claim they are truly from the State, he challenged them to return home and be addressed by the presidential candidate as such.”
Governor Wike described as ‘unacceptable’ such summoning of people who have made themselves non-indigenes in Abuja. According to him, “It is an insult to Rivers State and its people for anyone who is seeking for their vote to summon them for a meeting outside of the state.”
Governor Wike stated that if the PDP presidential candidate could not come to Rivers State and address the people because he has labelled the place as unsafe, it would be morally wrong to seek for votes from the state.
“You are addressing Rivers people in Abuja, is that not an insult? You cannot come to Rivers State and talk to us. You say Rivers State is not safe, but you want their vote. “Rivers people will you allow that? Those who declared our state to be unsafe are those who are seeking for your vote. It is unfortunate. No right-thinking Rivers person will take that insult.
“And I challenge all of you here to behave like true Rivers people to say nobody can buy you, nobody can summon you outside Rivers State. if you want to talk to us come to Rivers state and talk to us . no amount of blackmail, no amount of intimidation can change our position. We want the unity of Nigeria.”
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Governor Wike stated that they were prepared for the Saturday’s election and Rivers electorate will teach those opposed to the stance of the State for equity, fairness and justice, that there are real owners of the state who reside and determine what should happen therein.
He emphasised that Rivers people will vote for the candidate who has the welfare of the State at heart, and interested in Nigeria moving forward.
The Rivers State governor emphasised that because he has provided the dividend of democracy that is why council chairmen and other leaders are bent to remain with him to execute their plan concerning the presidential election.
