In a request for Rivers State residents to pray for Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council has issued a statement.
Senator Lee Maeba, the state chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, said in a statement made available to reporters in Port Harcourt yesterday that the governor needs their prayers more than before.
Part of the declaration reads: “As we return all gratitude to the Almighty God for granting us life into a new year, I urge you all to stand on the right side of history as you remain consistent and resolute in maintaining the democratic history of our dear State by voting massively for the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, His Excellencies Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in the February 25th presidential elections.
“At the same time, I beseech you all to pray for the governor of our dear state, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, as you all know that he needs our prayers now than ever before.”
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This comes after Wike encouraged state residents to abstain from voting in the general election of 2023 for any political party or candidates who do not have the best interests of the state and its growth in mind.
In a New Year’s broadcast to the entire state, Wike revealed this and urged voters to reject any candidates who would let the state down and disregard its goals.
The governor emphasised that it was not in the nature of his government to obstruct or restrict politicians’ and their parties’ constitutional rights to conduct electioneering campaigns and canvass for votes throughout the state.
“But we must be reminded that the laws and regulations restricting open political activities in public schools and residential areas are being implemented to prevent the destructive tendencies and public nuisance usually associated with such events when things go wrong.
“Ours is a state governed by laws, and no person, group, party, or association has the right to disobey the laws of the state managing campaign activities in public schools and expect us to keep quiet.
“Any political party or candidate that wishes to hold campaigns in public schools must comply with the law by simply securing the government’s approval after paying the required security deposit before the rally.”
“Let it be known that no amount of threat of violence will dissuade us from enforcing these and other laws to keep Rivers State safe, peaceful and secure before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
“Consequently, any person, group, political party or association that dares the resolve of the government on this issue can only have their fingers badly burnt by the legal consequences of their ill-advised actions.”
Wike agreed that the dismal economic conditions that had persisted for far too long made 2022 yet another difficult year for Nigeria and the majority of her people.
However, the governor pointed out that the people of Rivers have every cause to be grateful to God for the current state of peace, the accomplishments of his administration, and the chance to look forward with assurance to the promise of a new beginning with the New Year.
Since 2015, he said, he has experienced a variety of obstacles, thrills, and fulfilment. He claimed that at the outset, his administration inherited challenges that appeared terrifying and overpowering.
The governor stated that people in the state can have more optimism for the continuity required to consolidate the progress on the concrete foundations already laid, which would take Rivers State to the next level of sustainable peace, security, development, and prosperity, with the anticipated seamless succession in the governance of the state in 2023.
The state government, he added, spared no effort, money, or dedication to attain the peace and sense of security everyone today enjoys. He claimed that his administration has worked tirelessly with the security services to keep Rivers State peaceful, safe, and secure throughout 2022.
“Wike” said: “Going around the State, we can see several private and public investment projects in Port Harcourt and other places, indicative of the healthy state of our economy, investors’ increasing confidence and the economic benefits derived from the modern infrastructures we have provided, which has no equal across the country.
“It is barely five months for us to exit the stage for our successor, but our commitment to more project delivery and better the lots of our people is still strong.
“I assure you, therefore, that we shall endeavour to complete almost all ongoing projects, including the ones now being flagged-off, before the end of our tenure.”
