APC, SARS Plan To Rig Polls – Wike

Two items dominated activities in Government House last week, the flag off of rehabilitation of hospitals and roads across the state and the burial of elder statesman and literary icon, Captain Elechi Amadi.

By last Saturday, when the final obsequies were observed and he was laid to rest, the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike poured accolades on Captain Amadi and pronounced that erstwhile Rivers State College of Arts and Science (Port Harcourt Polytehcnic) had been renamed after the late icon.

Events to mark the final resting of Elechi Amadi had begun with a drama last Tuesday at the Obil Wali Conference Centre. Some of Amadi’s works were re-enacted, and the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo and other dignitaries were in attendance.

Last Monday, the governor flagged-off the rehabilitation of the General Hospital at Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. While speaking at the occasion, Chief Wike revealed plans by the National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police to rig the December 10th re-run elections. He noted that about 600 policemen with the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have already been earmarked to carry out arrests of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the state.

From there the governor proceeded to Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area to declare the official renovation of Buguma General Hospital Open. On the same last Monday, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo declared open the 21st Air Assault Open Golf Championship open.

Last Tuesday the governor was at Emohua to flag-off the rehabilitation of the Emohua General Hopsital and the reconstruction of the Rumuakunde-Rumuche-Akpa/Ababa Road. He accused the APC of not campaigning but planning to rig elections through security agencies.

Last Wednesday, Governor Wike played host to Minister of Labour and Employemnt, Senator Chris Ngige. The governor harped on partnership between the federal and state governments to transform the country. Wike lauded the Minister for standing out in his leadership style.

Shortly after playing host to Senaotr Ngige, the governor and his entourage headed to Etche to officially unveil recommencement of works in Chokocho/Ozuzu road.

Last Thursday, the State Government acknowledged the contribution of Etche Nationally to the development of the state. Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo spoke through her Special Assistant on Legal Matters, Barrister Ishmael Blue-jack.

The deputy governor on the same Thursday last week received award on behalf of the governor. Governor Wike had bagged African Leadership Magazine, United Kingdom award as the “Best Grassroots Performing Governor in Nigeria.”

The Governor while addressing PDP members and people of Gokana at the rehabilitation ceremony for Bodo and Terabor General Hospital carpeted INEC for publishing a list of adhoc staff fraught with card carrying APC members.

Last Friday was the turn of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area for hospital rehabilitation. Chief Wike said the people of the area deserve the best considering the support they gave to him. He therefore directed that the long abandoned hospital at Omoku be pulled down for a brand new one.

The governor used the programme to intimate the public of the sinister plot by the police authorities allocating huge police personnel to APC chieftains during the elections as a way of intimidating and arresting PDP chieftains. He assured that the ploy would not work and urged the people to stand their ground.

After appearing in a radio phone-in programme last Saturday, Governor Wike attended the traditional marriage ceremony of Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja. He was represented by his Chief of Staff. He however personally bidded farewell to Captain Elechi Amadi, at his home country, Alu.