Vote PDP In Re-Run Polls, Wike Tells Rivers People

Chief of Army Staff, lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (4th right), with by senior army officers while inspecting weapons recovered from suspected Boko Haram terrorists, during his visit to Damboa LGA headquarter on Saturday

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has tasked Peoples Democratic Party faithful in the state to ensure that the party wins all the seats in both National and State Assembly re-run elections slated March 19th.
Speaking  on Saturday  during  an interdenominational thanksgiving  and victory celebration  of the historic Supreme Court verdict  that validated his election, Wike said  he stands for free and fair rerun elections in Rivers State, declaring that nobody will  be  allowed to subvert the mandate of the people with the use of the military.
Stressing that, “We have a duty to make sure that All Progressives Congress (APC) does not win any seat in the re-run elections,” the governor said that he will make sure that PDP retains all elective positions as the main party to represent the state at all levels.
As a PDP dominated state, he reminded the people that they have a better stake to pitch tent with the party, as he promised not to fail them in delivering the dividends of good governance.
He, however, reiterated his resolve for free and fair elections, submitting that the party will resist any attempt to steal the people’s votes through force or federal might.
“I will continue to threaten political armed robbers. I will stand firm against those who use guns to steal votes”, Wike said.
The governor also blamed desperation for power as being behind the killing of Ogoni people via an ill-fated military operation last Monday and Tuesday, emphasising that his administration will stand firm to protect the Ogoni people.
Wike noted that it is the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct credible rerun elections.
He, however, said: “Let me reiterate that if any INEC officer is bent on rigging the rerun elections, let him first tell his wife and children where his will is located because he will be treated as a political armed robber.
“Popularity is tested on the ground. It is not by carrying Army around to intimidate voters. As your governor, I don’t carry Army around. How can a politician be campaigning with soldiers?”, the governor asked.
The governor said no matter the number of soldiers introduced in Rivers State, the people will protect their votes, and PDP will emerge victorious in all the rerun elections.
Wike,  who led the congregation  to observe  a minute silence  for those killed by the Army during an ill-fated  operation in Ogoniland on Monday and Tuesday, announced that the Rivers State Government will cater for the needs of the widows, their children and all the loved ones of those who lost their lives.
He urged the people to vote for the PDP in all the forthcoming rerun elections in the state.
“When I went to Luuwa for the 50th birthday celebration of Senator Lee Maeba, I told our people not to vote Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and the APC. There is no way I will play anti-party. Magnus Abe is my friend, but the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District should vote Senator Olaka Nwogu. We have a duty to make sure that the APC does not win a single seat during the March 19 rerun elections”, he said.
He said that though he supports the security agencies to fight against criminals and criminality, but will never support the killing of innocent Ogoni people as was the case during the ill-fated operation.
The governor said that the state will never be tired of thanksgiving, because it was delivered from the evil machinations of the enemies of Rivers people.
In his address, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Peter Fayose said the Supreme Court verdict cleared the mess of the process, and planted the rule of law, and described Wike as a man of destiny who liberated Rivers State from the shackles of political brigandage.
Also speaking, PDP National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff said that the Supreme Court justices simply confirmed the will of Rivers people by the verdict.
Preaching at the PDP interdenominational thanksgiving service, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, said thanksgiving opens the way for more blessings.
The PDP thanksgiving and victory celebration for the Supreme Court verdict attracted thousands of Rivers people from the 23 local government areas of the state.