The governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has dedicated his victory in the March 9, 2019 governorship election to God and the people of the state, especially those who died “defending their votes.”
Speaking on Wednesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, after he was declared duly elected to another four-year term by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Wike said he was overwhelmed by the total support and love displayed by the Rivers people, and expressed gratitude to them for standing by the PDP despite the “illegal actions of the enemies of democracy.”
“I want to thank the people of Rivers State for showing the kind of love we have never seen before. I thank them for showing the kind of support we have never seen before,” he said.
Wike thanked PDP members for their show of courage, despite intimidation by security operatives, while dedicating the victory to “those who died, not because they were criminals, but because they wanted to defend their votes. They protected our votes and they defended us. We pray God to grant their families the strength to bear the losses. We shall continue to support the families.”
He said that he will run an inclusive government, which will accommodate all shades of interest.
“We have no other state. You may have mansions elsewhere, but there is no place like home. We must come together and build our state. We must make the state move forward. We must not continue to de-market the state. I cannot stay beyond 2023, but Rivers State will continue to be. If you believe you are from Rivers State, end this now,” he said.
Wike extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents, saying that nobody won or lost, but Rivers people won.
“We will not disappoint the PDP. We will not disappoint Rivers people. We shall continue to serve. If anybody does anything contrary as a member of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, the blood of those who died will visit them. I will never betray PDP.”
He said the struggle to stop collation was so vicious that it continued till the end of the collation. “They tried with their Federal Might, but the Superior Might from above defeated them,” he said.
Imo State governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha, and his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, prayed God to strengthen the Rivers State governor to continue to deliver for the state.
PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus congratulated Rivers people for standing firm and insisting on the right thing being done.