Wike: Rivers votes must count

Wike: Rivers votes must count
By PHC Telegraph

As the ccuntdown to the general election begins across the country, the Governor of Rivers  State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has emphasized that votes  will count in the forthcoming general elections. Wike made the declaration while speaking at the official flagoff of the Degema Local Government Area  campaign effort of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Governor observed that under the current system that has been put in place, there is no way security personnel could be deployed on voting day to help with the  election rigging process.

“This election”, Wike explained at the rally in Degema which took place at Agri Field, “is going to be by mobilisation.

“It’s not like before when anybody will go and bring soldiers to carry election materials.”

“Now, election will be based on physical human beings. Votes must count now”, he stressed.

Wike seized the opportunity to clarify misconceptions  arising from the decision of the Rivers State government to cancel the approval given for the use of  Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign  Council.

He acknowledged that the revocation of the approval was intended to safeguard the facility from vandalism.

“Don’t say we stopped them from holding rally, we didn’t. They applied to me and I gave (Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium) to them.

“They now went back and began to meet with the faction of the opposition, and you know that the opposition has never held any rally without violence.

“And I said I cannot joke with Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Since we have this intelligence we will not allow it.

“Did anybody force us to give them before? Are we not the ones who gave them?  Did they pay money?

“Go and see the place. I know they are happy because they know there is no way they can fill that stadium”, Governor Wike stated.

He said they ought to thank God for covering their shame, and<span;> described the claim that Rivers State government does not want PDP Presidential Campaign Council to campaign in the State as erroneous.

Recall that the State had earlier given approval to the PDP at the centre to use the Stadium at no cost.

Governor Wike declared that the unit by unit mobilisation of voters championed by the River PDP is one of the most realistic strategies that would make it difficult for indecent security operatives to rig the 2023 general election.

Encouraging PDP members to ensure that votes count  in the State, he also urged them to protect votes cast at the various units.

His administration, the Governor pointed out, delivered several developmental projects in the Degema reach Local Government Area in appreciation of the consistent support that the people have given to the PDP since 1999.

The governor stressed that his administration promised to execute the  first phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road, saying work on the project is proceeding at a fast pace.

According to the governor, the commissioning of the first phase is planned for February 2023.

Governor Wike assured that when his successor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara assumes office, he would  pay attention to the take off of the second phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road.

He equally expressed optimism that Fubara would take responsibility for the reconstruction of critical educational facility in Degema town as well as other life touching projects.

The governor therefore, urged Degema people to vote for Fubara and his running mate, Prof. Ngozi Odu, who would consolidate on the current development strides of his administration.

Rivers State governorship candidate on the platform of the PDP, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, appealed to voters in Degema Local Government area to cast their votes for him and all PDP candidates.

When elected, he said his administration would pay attention to rural electrification and security in the area in order to provide comfort and safety.

The PDP governorship candidate spoke of his wealth of experience in governance and administration.

He explained  that his exposure as a career civil servant and a professional in the system has given him deeper insight into the way government works, and an edge over candidates of other political parties.

On behalf of the State chairman of PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, his deputy, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron presented the party’s flag to candidates of the party contesting various positions in the forthcoming election in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the Deputy governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who is also the candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District, said Degema people were assuring the party that they will deliver winning votes for all PDP candidates in the area.

After the campaign rally, Governor Wike embarked on an inspection tour of the first phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road from Krakrama to Angulama.