Politics
86 Political Parties Back Wike …Sure Of Gov’s Victory
No fewer than 86 political parties, on Friday, conceded defeat to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in the 2019 Gubernatorial Election held in last month.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Sir Precious Baridoo, who led leaders of the parties on a solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike in Government House, Port Harcourt, said from results at their disposal from their polling agents, Wike won the Governorship election.
They congratulated Wike and indicated their interest to participate in his victory party.
IPAC condemned the letter by some APC elders to President Muhammadu Buhari to interfere in the Governorship
Election of Rivers State, describing it as mischief.
They demanded from the APC elders to publicly apologise to Rivers people for their ungodly political mischief and also warned security agencies against further steps to subvert the will of Rivers people.
Responding, Governor Wike declared that when PDP is declared winner of the March 9 gubernatorial election, he will operate a unity government.
” If we are declared winner of the election, we will operate a government of unity. We will rally everybody together in the interest of the state “, he said and urged people of the state to remain patient and allow INEC to carry out their responsibilities of collating and declaring the election results.
Governor Wike paid a condolence visit to the family of the late oil mogul, High Chief O. B Lulu Briggs in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
He eulogised the deceased, describing him as a philanthropist who used his personal wealth to bless less privileged in the society, and one who made quality contributions to the development of the state.
He said in 2014/2015 when he consulted late Lulu Briggs in his quest to govern the state, the late Chief supported his development blueprint.
He urged the family members to work hard to maintain the legacy of the late elder statesman , promising that the state government would participate actively in his burial.
Daughter of late Lulu Briggs, Mrs Solate Ovunda Akarolo thanked the governor for the honour .
Wike on same Saturday inspected some ongoing projects in both Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas.
The projects inspected were the Mile 1 Market, the Port Harcourt Fruit Garden Market and the Judges Quarters.
Wike, who spoke to journalists after the inspection said he would increase the tempo of projects delivery during his second term.
Personalities who accompanied the Governor during the inspection included a Former Deputy Governor in the state, Engr Tele Ikuru, former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Okpara, Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo , Former Minister of Transportation, Dr Abiye Sekibo , Senator Lee ,Maeba, Senator Olaka Nwogu, Prince Emmanuel Anyanwu, PDP Chairman in the state, Bro Felix Obuah amongst others.
Another major event in Brick House, last week was the visit of the Nigerian Army Investigative Committee On Election Violence to Governor Wike on Friday.
Wike made visual and pictorial presentations of military interference during the election.
He explained that election took place in polling units across the state except in Abua/Odual local Government Area.
He emphased that challenge came during the collation as Army invaded collation centres and carted away Form EC 8C for Governorship election and Form EC 8b1 for the House of Assembly elections.
He declared that the negative roles played by the Nigerian Army during the 2019 election is the worst in the history of the country.
He formally requested for the deployment of GOC 6 Division, Major General Jamil Sarhem for subverting the general election in Rivers State.
The investigative committee was led by its chairman, Major General Ayibakuro Gagariga.
Alhaji Abubakar made the pledge on Wednesday during the launch of his presidential campaign in Sokoto State, where he called on Nigerians to unite behind his ambition to rescue the country.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Vice-President said Nigerians were increasingly frustrated by hunger, insecurity and unfulfilled political promises, insisting that his campaign would offer a clear plan to address the nation’s challenges.
Expressing gratitude for the reception accorded him in Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar described the state as a historic centre of faith, scholarship and leadership.
“Sokoto, I am here! I am deeply grateful for the rousing welcome as I formally launch my campaign for the presidency from this historic seat of faith, scholarship, and leadership,” he said.
He promised to end insecurity across the country, restore hope to young Nigerians and make the country affordable for citizens.
“Nigerians are tired of hunger, fear, and broken promises. Today, they have a choice, a plan, and a leader ready to deliver. I will end the insecurity that haunts our communities, restore hope to our young people, and make Nigeria affordable again,” Alhaji Abubakar stated.
Describing the Sokoto event as the beginning of a broader campaign to reclaim the country’s fortunes, he urged supporters to remain united and committed to his presidential bid.
“The journey to rescue Nigeria begins here. Together, we will win,” he added.
Mr Dike made the call while speaking with newsmen ahead of tomorrow’s event scheduled to hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
He said the rally would provide an opportunity for political stakeholders and residents of the State to reflect on the Federal Government’s development initiatives, infrastructure investments and recognition of Rivers sons and daughters under President Tinubu’s administration.
The publicity subcommittee member noted that the appointment of Ambassador Desmond Akawor as Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) was among the significant federal appointments benefiting the State.
He also cited the appointment of Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as Chief Tony Okocha as Rivers State representative on the Commission’s Governing Board.
According to him, other Rivers political stakeholders appointed into federal institutions include Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, and Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.
Mr Dike further noted that the reported disclosure by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, that Rivers State had secured no fewer than 49 federal appointments under the Tinubu administration, reflected the level of federal representation enjoyed by the state.
On infrastructure, he described the 37.9-kilometre Bodo-Bonny Road, which was temporarily opened to public use in December 2025, as a major intervention capable of transforming transportation and economic activities in the State.
He said the road had provided a direct land connection between Bonny Island and the mainland, reducing the historic dependence of residents on water transportation and helicopter services.
The campaign publicity official also highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention on the East-West Road, particularly the Eleme Junction-Port Harcourt-Ahoada and Eleme Junction-Onne Port sections, as well as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would improve connectivity and economic opportunities across the Niger Delta.
Mr Dike further identified the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni local government areas, alongside the Bonny Ring Road and Bridges project being undertaken by the NDDC in partnership with NLNG, as important regional infrastructure initiatives.
He maintained that the projects and federal appointments had placed Rivers State in a strategic position within the national development agenda, urging residents to assess the benefits and support continued investment in the State.
The Ikwerre born politician and public affairs analyst called on party faithful, political leaders, youths, women and other residents to participate actively in the November 7 gathering, expressing optimism that the rally would further strengthen support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
King Onunwor
King Eke made the clarification during the council’s monthly general meeting, convened at the instance of Eze Temple Ejekwu , Nye Nwe Eli Rumuogba, at Rumuogba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The revered monarch explained that the decision was informed by the need for traditional rulers to preserve their revered positions as fathers of their respective communities, stressing that partisan political affiliations should not undermine their traditional responsibilities.
He maintained that political neutrality among members of the council was non-negotiable, noting that monarchs must remain above partisan divisions to provide balanced leadership, promote unity and sustain peaceful coexistence among their subjects.
He said the council was determined to entrench this principle of neutrality in its engagements, adding that traditional rulers must be seen as unifying forces rather than actors in the political divisions that often characterise electoral contests.
To strengthen the arrangement, the Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom disclosed that Eze Temple Ejekwu had been assigned the responsibility of coordinating political activities involving the monarchs, a development he said would ensure balance, proper organisation and respect for the council’s collective position.
The monarch, however, clarified that the council’s apolitical disposition should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal of support for qualified sons and daughters of Evo Kingdom who aspire to occupy elective positions at both the State and National levels.
He stressed that the traditional institution would continue to identify with the legitimate political aspirations of its people, irrespective of political platforms, provided such aspirations were pursued peacefully and in the overall interest of the kingdom.
Specifically, the monarch assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obio/Akpor Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Leslie Ejekwu, who already has his blessings, of the support of Woji, his immediate community, as well as the 33 Evo communities under his traditional leadership.
”Leslie Ejekwu, Esq., will do well given his experience at the Local Government Council as the Legal Adviser and other sundry areas within the political arena”, he said.
He noted that the assurance was consistent with the council’s commitment to the progress and political advancement of Evo sons and daughters, adding that the traditional institution would continue to encourage its people to participate actively in democratic processes without compromising its neutrality.
The Evo monarch also used the occasion to caution politicians and their supporters against violence before, during and after the 2027 general elections, describing the resort to intimidation, destruction and political hostility as an outdated approach to democratic competition.
According to him, the era when political victories were pursued through violence should give way to issue-based campaigns, intellectual capacity, constructive engagements and demonstrable leadership skills, stressing that ideas and competence should take centre stage in the nation’s political development.
King Onunwor
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