The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says his criticism of the National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not be misunderstood to mean there was irredeemable crisis in the party.
The governor also maintained that since he lacks the capacity to decamp to another political party, particularly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), he would continue to speak out against perceived abnormalities in the PDP to ensure it does not die.
He made this clarification when friends and political associates paid him a surprise visit, to felicitate with him and his wife, Justice Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom-Wike on his birthday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Sunday night.
Wike explained that as a founding member of the PDP, he would continue to speak against whatever was militating against the progress of the party, irrespective of who was in charge of the NWC.
Wike said he would continue to stand on the path of truth to defend the interest of the state.
He used the occasion to further acknowledge God’s benevolence towards him and his family, particularly, for the privilege to become the governor of the state.
The governor said his preoccupation has always been to use every opportunity he has in public service to advance society and improve the quality of life of the people.
He dismissed insinuations that he was concentrating development in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
“I want to challenge anyone to tell me which local government that you can’t find the presence of our government. I can tell you exactly what we’re doing in each local government.
“People say all your development is in one area. I say fine, it means there’s development. However, it is concentrated in one area, I should be happy that I have come to develop a part of the state. When you come too, you can develop another part of the state. No one person can develop the whole areas of the state.”
Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Executive Council, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the governor has been a friend and leader who was focused, vibrant, and determined to fulfil his promises to Rivers people.
The Chairman of the National Assembly Caucus, Senator George Sekibo said they were delighted to have the governor on the saddle because he has continued to drive development to every local government area of the state.
On his part, the South-South Zonal Vice Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih said members of the party in the South-South region were proud of Wike who has become the shining light of the party in the country.
Speaking, Rivers State PDP Chairman, Amb Desmond Akawor described the governor as the number one salesman of the party whose performance in office has endeared the party to every resident in the state.
Also speaking, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who represented Abia North Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, described Wike as a national colossus, an enigma and a miracle worker who has sustained his project delivery efforts in a manner that the blind can see.
Former Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Senator Olaka Nwogu said Wike has laid a fresh foundation upon which the state can continue to grow in terms of development and leadership.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Dr. Lars Richter described the developmental transformation of the state under Governor Wike as incredible.
The General Manager, Group Zonal Head of Zenith Bank, Mr. Sunday Ilegar, said Wike was a leader called by God and given to Nigeria as a precious gift to become the hope of the common man, provider of dividend of democracy, and has remained as s man of truth.