Rivers Awards: How Wike recognized opponents

 

Rivers Awards: How Wike recognized opponents

The Peoples Democratic Party has reacted to the honour extended last week to gubernatorial candidates of
political parties.

The party said in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, that the Awards ceremony has demonstrated the willingness of the Wike administration to carry everyone along regardless of creed or political affiliation.

Spokesman of the Consolidation of the New Rivers Vision Campaign Council, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke said in a statement that Governor Nyesom Wike has proved by his gesture that he has a large and accommodating heart.

The one-time Commissioner for Information and Communications said the honour extended to Senator Magnus Abe, candidate of the Social Democratic Party and Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs, flagbearer of Accord Party is a clear indication that Governor Nyesom Wike is determined to create a level playing field for all Rivers sons and daughters.

“Last week, the Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike, extended awards of honour to candidates of rival political parties who are presently pitched in battle against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP” , the statement noted.

“We are certain that cynics and many watchers of the political scene who are largely determined to understand the philosophy of the New Rivers Vision would have been surprised by the quality of leadership and
magnanimity demonstrated by the Rivers State Government and our award winning Governor.

“We are not shocked in the least by the action of the people – oriented Government led by a resourceful, fair-minded, focused and determined Rivers gentleman who is rapidly delivering development projects at a level that has never been witnessed in our history as a State.

“At the national level, Governor Wike has emerged as a fearless fighter for equal rights and justice; a quality leader who understands the meaning of a social contract entered into between Government and the people; and a defender of truth, fairness and equity.

“Our amiable Governor who has initiated the New Rivers Vision has shown by the steps that he is taking that we have a vision in Rivers State that works for all.

“While we applaud the Governor for his spirit of inclusion, his love for Rivers State and his sense of patriotism, which have combined to draw members of other opposing political parties in the State to the PDP, we are grateful to God that blantant lies that Wike is trying to stiffle opposing political views have been demystified.

“A man who has only contempt for political opponents as some people are trying to insinuate cannot contemplate the thought of honouring perceived enemies”, the statement further disclosed.

Part of the statement released by the Campaign Council also stated:

“The Governor has proved that he is the leader of all Rivers people; proved that taking Rivers State higher is a task that can be accomplished; proved that the welfare and unity of the people are critical to the future and advancement of our dear State.

“The legacy projects that he is delivering are part of much needed infrastructure that are serving the benefit of Rivers people.

“Against this backdrop, we urge the good people of Rivers State to ignore small – minded persons who for selfish reasons, envy and partisanship are trying to denigrate the good intentions of Governor Wike.

“They are people who do not appreciate good things, persons who do not appreciate effort, who do not love Rivers State and the Great Vision that is speedily transforming our countryside.

“We are lucky to have a Governor who appreciates the people; a governor who realizes that there others within the economic and political space that are making contributions to the growth of our State and nation, regardless of politics, ethnicity and religion.

“We are glad that Governor Wike has come to the table with a new approach to issues of development. The ongoing commissioning of projects and the flag off of new ones in parts of the State buttress this fact.

“Yet, there is an openness that Nigerians want, an openness to public debate that Governor Wike and the G5 are championing.

Finally, the PDP acknowledges the support of the Rivers people and the friendship of other Nigerians who share our common aspirations.

“It is right to say thanks to people as well as institutions whose contribution to the growth and development of Rivers State are indelible.

“This is why the PDP stands with Governor Wike for appreciating the support of the Federal Government, particularly in the regular release of funds accruing to the State.”