Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that anybody who despises the political capability of the state will be met with the same treatment.
Wike made this assertion at the inauguration of the Orochiri -Worukwo (Waterlines junction) Flyover that was performed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The Rivers governor explained that the dynamics of contemporary politics have made it unpopular to just gift votes away without the assurance of derivable benefit for the people.
This was contained in a statement issued by Kelvin Ebiri, media aide to Governor Wike and sent to newsmen.
The statement read, “If you say Rivers State does not matter, Rivers State will tell you that you don’t also matter at the appropriate time.
”If you don’t like us, we will not like you. If you like us, we will like you. Nobody will use our votes for nothing. Our votes will matter and Rivers State must benefit from anybody that we are going to support.
“Politics now is no longer just voting for somebody, it is about what you will do for the people of Rivers State.”
He pointed to how difficult it will be for any conspirators to upset the voting pattern of Rivers State and support the Peoples Democratic Party.
Wike reiterated that those who looted the treasury of the State will not be supported to become governor of Rivers State.
“My guest from Lagos State, let nobody tell you a story that anybody will come here to win as governor of Rivers State. It will not happen.
“Those who looted the treasury of the State will not come here to be governor of Rivers State and I have challenged them.
“I am fully in charge. I am not that kind of governor people will go to Abuja and hold meetings against. I am fully in charge here.”
Governor Wike also berated Mr Yemi Adebowale over his ThisDay publication in which he peddled misinformation in his ‘RingTrue’ column article titled, ” Wike, a Governor Possessed By Spirit of Flyovers.”
The governor noted the obvious unhappy mindset of the writer for his dislike for development and hatred for Rivers people who were happy with the ongoing development strides of his administration.
“First of all, let me state, if there is one State that pays salary regularly, it is Rivers State. Let me also state, that every month we pay pensioners. Let me also state since we have been paying gratuity, have you been hearing anybody talking on the radio?
Governor Wike also challenged those who are envious of his development strides to rather show what capacity they have by executing projects and inviting renowned persons to inaugurate them.
He explained the invitation of the Lagos State governor is not the first time persons of other political parties were invited to inaugurate projects in Rivers State.
He pointed to the overall benefits such invitations have on governance because they served as peer review for them.
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who inaugurated the Orochiri-Worokwu (Waterlines) Flyover, commended Governor Wike for his strong commitment to the delivery of physical infrastructure in Rivers State.
“I would like to specially commend my brother, Governor Wike, for his strong commitment to the delivery of physical infrastructure in Rivers State.
“A commitment that has been recognized by all and sundry, and which has earned him the appellation of “Mr Projects” within and outside Rivers State,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said though he and governor Wike belong to different political persuasions, the invitation extended to him sends a very strong message that politicians and political leaders, can come together across political and ideological divides, for the good of the people.
“There is also a strong message being made today about expanding our capacity to play politics without bitterness. This symbolic gesture by my friend and brother is one that should become standard practice across Nigeria.
