Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said that the people of Rivers State are not happy with the ‘high level of marginalisation’ they have been subjected to by the Federal Government under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Wike spoke during a courtesy visit by the Ministers of Education and Women Affairs at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, saying that with the conclusion of elections, Rivers State should benefit from Federal Government’s programmes like other states.
The governor explained that unnecessary politics should be relegated for good governance to be enthroned with the conclusion of the election because that is what Nigerians require now to develop the country.
“Leadership is not a party affair. Leadership is about people. It is about development. For now, governance is what our people require.
“We should relegate politics to the background. Political parties as vehicles take us to a certain point for us to disembark and face governance.”
Wike stated that rather than politicise the development process, the focus should be on how to move Nigeria forward.
“Honourable Minister, when you go back, inform Mr President that the people of Rivers State are not happy with the high level of marginalisation. Rivers State should benefit from projects like other states of the Federation “, he said.
He also warned against any attempt to run a one-party state.
“We cannot run a one-party State. If we do that, the country will collapse. You cannot take every state. It is not possible “, he said.
Governor Wike said that even though he wished that President Muhammadu Buhari lost the last General Election, immediately the court pronounced him the winner, he was left with no option, but to congratulate him.
The Governor advocated the promotion of Girl-Child Education. He said that during his days as a Minister of State for Education, he advanced the ideals of Girl-Child Education.
On his part, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu commended the Rivers State Governor for his dedication to the development of Education.
He also praised the Governor for supporting the hosting of the National Council on Education.
He thanked the Rivers State Governor for his total support for the sustenance of Federal Government agencies operating in Rivers State.
He said that the Rivers State Governor left indelible marks at the Federal Ministry of Education, which the current management has struggled unsuccessfully to surpass.
He praised Governor Wike’s brand of politics, which is devoid of bitterness. He specifically lauded the Governor for congratulating the President on his victory and also being on the ground to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari when he returned from a medical leave.
“You play politics with fairness and without bitterness “, he said.