Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that only those in
support of political armed robbery will kick against his declaration
that those who plan to rig election in the state will be resisted.
Governor Wike also stated that desperation for power was behind the
killing of Ogoni people via an ill-fated military operation last Monday
and Tuesday. He said his administration will stand firm to protect the
Ogoni people.
Speaking on Saturday during an interdenominational Thanksgiving and
Victory Celebration of the historic Supreme Court verdict that
validated his election, Governor Wike said he stands for free and fair
rerun elections in Rivers State, declaring that nobody will be allowed
to subvert the mandate of the people with the use of the military.
The governor noted that it is the responsibility of the Independent
National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct credible rerun
elections.
He, however, said: “Let me reiterate. If any INEC officer is bent on
rigging the rerun elections, let him first tell his wife and children
where his will is located because he will be treated as a political
armed robber.
“Popularity is tested on the ground. It is not by carrying Army around
to intimidate voters. As your governor, I don’t carry army around. How
can a politician be campaigning with soldiers? ”
The governor said no matter the number of soldiers introduced in
Rivers State, the people will protect their votes and PDP will emerge
victorious in all the rerun elections.
“I will continue to threaten political armed robbers. I will stand
firm against those who use guns to steal votes”.
Governor Wike who led the congregation to observe a minute silence for
those killed by the army during an ill-fated operation in Ogoni Land on
Monday and Tuesday, announced that the Rivers State Government will
cater for the needs of the widows, their children and all the loved ones
of those who lost their lives.
He urged the people to vote for the PDP in all the forthcoming re-run
elections in the state.
“When I went to Luuwa for the 50th Birthday Celebration of Senator Lee
Maeba, I told our people not to vote Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and the
APC. There is no way I will play anti-party. Magnus Abe is my friend,
but the people of Rivers South-east Senatorial District should vote
Senator Olaka Nwogu. We have a duty to make sure that the APC does not
win a single seat during the March 19 rerun elections “.
He said that though he supports the security agencies to fight
against criminals and criminality, he will never support the killing
of innocent Ogoni people as was the case during the ill-fated operation.
The governor said that the state will never be tired of thanksgiving,
because it was delivered from the evil machinations of the enemies of
Rivers People.
In his address, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose said the Supreme Court
verdict cleared the mess of the process and planted the rule of law.
He described Governor Wike as a man destiny who liberated Rivers State
from the shackles of political bandage.
Also speaking, PDP National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff said that
the Supreme Court Justices simply confirmed the will of Rivers People
by the verdict.
Preaching at the PDP interdenominational Thanksgiving Service, Pastor
David Ibiyeomie of the Salvation Ministries said thanksgiving opens the
way for more blessing.
The PDP Thanksgiving and Victory Celebration for the Supreme Court
verdict attracted thousands of Rivers People from the 23 Local Government
Areas of the state.
