We ’ll Prevail, Wike Assures Christians …Warns Commissioners Against Enrichment

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (left) congratulating Mrs Tonye Oniyide, during her swearing-in as Commissioner at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has called on the people of the state not to fear the manipulations of those who have ganged up against the state as he will emerge  victorious  at the end of this trying period.
Addressing  thousands of Christian  faithful  at the first Rivers State Christmas Carol in Port Harcourt  on Saturday, Governor Wike stated that  since he started politics, he has never had any victory  cheaply, noting  that  the  current  challenge  would not be  different.
According to Governor Wike, “I was the only council chairman  in the country whose political  litigation  got to the Supreme Court during  the  1999 electioneering  process. I got my victory at the Supreme Court in April 2000.”
The governor  said that as Christians,  Rivers people should always look unto God for their salvation,  pointing  out  that  the  machinations  of men can never  overcome  the  will of God.
He said, “when God is doing something; He wants you to know that He alone deserves the glory and praise.”
On the First Rivers State Christmas Carol, Governor Wike said the programme was organised to give God the glory for the successful take off of the administration and to pray for the consolidation of development gains already attained.
He explained that the initiation of the Carol programme is not the end of CARNIRIV, noting  that  the cultural  programme  will be held in future.
The governor noted that during his campaign consultation with the clergy, he made three promises. To appoint  a  Special Adviser on Religious Matters, to hold a major Christian programme  and to build an Ecumenical Centre  for all Christians in the  state.  Governor Wike said he has already accomplished two, while the Ecumenical Centre will be constructed.
Special Adviser on Religious Matters to  the Governor,  Bishop Winston Iwo stated that the programme  was an inter-denominational thanksgiving  to God for ensuring  that  the  state has weathered the storms despite  the  numerous  challenges facing  it.
A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media noted that the explosive praise and worship programme was graced by Rivers State 1000 mass choir, the famous Gospel musician, Chioma Jesus while Adonye Omubo-Pepple conducted the choir.
The programme also attracted top government functionaries and prominent Rivers State Indigenes led by Former Governor Celestine Omehia and PDP Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that  Commissioners and Special Advisers in the  state  who have  joined the  State Government  with the intention  of  enriching themselves  will be utterly  disappointed  as he runs a focused  administration  centered on service and project delivery.
Performing  the  swearing-in ceremony of commissioners and Special  Advisers at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday,  Governor Wike  stated  that  accountability  and responsible application  of state resources should  guide all commissioners and special  advisers.
He said: “Any of you that is here to make money at the expense of service will be disappointed. Do not assault public sensibilities with ostentatious lifestyle that you cannot defend “.
The  governor  expressed happiness with the quality  of  the  fully  constituted State Executive Council describing  the team as a: “mix of politicians  and technocrats , women and  men of good character  and excellent  experience in diverse endeavours “.
He said that Rivers people expect and deserve nothing less than spectacular performance from the commissioners and special advisers.
Governor Wike said: “We hope and pray that you do not disappoint because to whom much is given, much is expected. Your duty is to serve public interest and accountability is a sacred contract with the people of Rivers State “.
He noted that the inauguration of the 22 commissioners means the State now has the compliment of a full executive council, with four commissioners sworn earlier in the life of the administration.
He explained  that  the  new  commissioners are on board to drive the aspirations  of  the  people and assist the government  generate necessary  policies in line with  the  New Rivers Development Blueprint.
While thanking the State House of Assembly for the thorough screening and confirmation of the commissioners, the governor called for synergy between all arms of government for the benefit of the state.
Highpoint of the event was the taking of oath by the 22 commissioners and eight special advisers under the watchful eyes of Governor Wike.
In another development, Governor Wike has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards moving Rivers State to the next level.
Speaking  on Saturday, at the funeral ceremony of late Mrs. Mercy King, the mother in law to former Federal House of Representative  Member, Chief Hon. Jerome Eke, at the St. John’s Autonomous Catholic Church, Umuakirikpo in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, Governor Wike said  Rivers State is not  where it is supposed to be today.
His words: “  I want to assure you all that we will continue to serve the people of Rivers State and move it forward to its rightful place. Rivers State is not where it is supposed to be today. But I have said I will move it to the next level. “The Governor said.
Governor Wike who acknowledged that Hon. Jerome Ake is a staunch member of his political caucus, said there was a need for him and members of his cabinet to commiserate with him (Jerome Eke) on the loss of his mother –in –law.
Governor Wike who noted that his current political travails were temporary setbacks said that the will and wish of God will ultimately prevail in his favor.
Wike acknowledged that the collective prayers of the clergy and people of Rivers State gave him the opportunity to serve currently as Governor and urged the congregation and people of Rivers not to relent in their prayers for his administration and the state.
The State Chief Executive noted that nobody can question the will of God, because He giveth and taketh, but assured the family of the bereaved that late Mrs. King is resting in the bosom of the lord.
Governor Wike who believed in supporting the work God, donated the sum of N5 million for the growth and expansion of the St. John’s Autonomous Parish of Umuakirikpo.