Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has told Nigerians to expect a shocker as the south readies to take its stand on the 2023 presidency.
Wike issued the notice at the weekend at a grand reception organised in his honour by the people of Kalabari ethnic nationality in Asari Toru local government area of the state.
The governor was honoured with a traditional title of Se- Ibidokubo of Kalabari land (meaning he who does good things for Kalabari people) and was performed by the Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel.
Media aide to the governor, Kelvin Ebiri, said in a statement that Wike also said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not give its presidential ticket to any candidate who would serve the interest of the wealthy few in Nigeria only.
The statement also quoted the governor as saying the some desperate politicians who would not serve the interest of the many, rather the interest of the wealthy few were already scheming to be candidates.
“The day the south will speak, Nigeria will shake. We believe in the unity of this country, but nobody can threaten us; nobody should threaten us. We believe in the unity of Nigeria and the unity of Nigeria must continue,” he said.
Wike said some desperate politicians who would not serve the interest of the many rather the interest of the wealthy few were already scheming to be candidates.
Concerning the next governorship of Rivers State, Wike said everybody is entitled to aspire to be the next governor, but such person must show capacity for that office and be well disposed to protect the interest of the State.
He told the Kalabari people, specifically, that they’ve have not done well in terms of loving themselves and working in unity.
Governor Wike said it is only a united people who can speak with one voice that can stand up to make demands. He therefore, urged them to put their house in order.
The governor announced the extension of dateline of completion of the Trans Kalabari road phase one project by two months owing to the loss period when workmen were kidnapped on site.
He disclosed that if the finances of the state improves, his administration may award the phase two of the Trans Kalabari road before he leaves office next year.
The governor, while cancelling the contract for the reconstruction of Kalabari National College due to foreseen politics, announce the release of more fund for the Maryhood Girls Secondary school in the area to speed up its completion.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Rivers State Elders Forum, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba explained that the grand reception is significant for two reasons; of its critical importance to them as a people and also because of the unity of purpose engendered among them under the Wike’s administration
He said it is that kind of reception organised for prominent sons and friends who have impacted the Kalabari people.
Chief Anabraba noted that Governor Wike has systematically fulfilled all promises made to them including those of development projects and appointment of Kalabari people into his administration.
He listed some of the projects completed or ongoing to include the phase 1 of Trans -Kalabari Road project other administration promises but failed to execute for over 17 years, the rehabilitation and equipping of zonal and general hospitals, secondary schools, Abonnema Ring road, sandfilling in Obonoma, Abonnema, Bakana and Oboama, Abalama communities.
