Rivers Can’t Give Its Votes For Free, Wike Insists

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that votes from the state, in the 2023 general election, would be put where a concrete reward was guaranteed for such electoral support.
The governor noted with dismay that since 1999, no state had given votes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) more than Rivers State, but lamented that such support has never been rewarded because there was no visible benefit in terms of Federal Government projects.
Wike made the observation at the formal inauguration of the Etche Campus of the Rivers State University in Abara community of Etche Local Government Area, yesterday.
The governor also flagged-off the construction of ultra-modern two-storey building of two and three bedrooms’ staff quarters within the campus premises.
Enough of such support, Wike declared, saying that the state cannot settle for the crumbs, but would courageously negotiate for what was befitting to its status.
“At the appropriate time, we will take decision on what to do. This is because since 1999, I want Rivers people to reflect on this, ponder over it; we brought the highest votes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I challenge any state to say they brought more votes for the PDP. I challenge any state to say, in terms of support, for the PDP. Which state has given more support than Rivers State? Is there anyone? Since 1999, show me one federal project in Rivers State. Is there anyone? So, if you want our votes, then, tell me what you will give Rivers people. Our votes are not for dash anymore.”
Rivers State governor recalled that while some of his colleagues during the 2019 general election negotiated and gave their votes to President Muhammadu Buhari, Rivers State alone resisted by giving all its votes to PDP.
Such persons, Wike noted, were now talking as if they love the PDP more.
“This (federal) government fought us, but we survived it. Most of them who are talking now, if this Federal Government had descended on them, most of them would have crumbled. They were going to negotiate with Buhari in 2019, that was how Buhari won election. They came to me, I said no negotiation, PDP must win.”
The governor revealed that some of his close associates have expressed concern about his safety, but he has told them not to be bother because God was on his side.
“Some people tell me be careful, they will kill you. Kill who? Who told you that you will not die first before you reach me. So, those of you who are panicking, you don’t need to panic. If you have God, what are you afraid of? They’ve chased us, they’ve fought us but today we are standing strong.”
Wike also clarified his comments on why he said he was willing to deal with those who want to challenge his electoral capacity.
The governor said God has given him power and resources as a governor to do what is appropriately good for Rivers people and will not leave what he would do for God to do.
Wike commended the Rivers State University for not joining the protracted industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because there was no basis for it.
“Thank God our university did not join the strike because there’s no basis for them to join the strike. Why did I say so? You will recollect some time ago when lecturers were sacked in the university, when the school was shutdown by the previous administration, ASUU never went on strike in sympathy of our university.
“And so, I told the university, I am not here as Father Christmas. If you have your problem, face the government and solve your problem. If any other state has problem, they should solve their own problem. Our students cannot suffer because one university somewhere is not being paid. When we had our own problem, nobody came to sympathise with us.”
Commenting on the project, Wike said it was another fulfilment of the promise made to Etche people, which would definitely drive development in the area.
Wike assured that the staff quarters that have been flagged-off would be completed in the next six months.
He directed the Etche Council Chairman, Dr. Obinna Anyanwu, to, as his contribution; construct a police station opposite the RSU Etche Campus within the next three months in order to provide security for the campus.
Providing a description of the staff quarters, the Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, DeinmaIyalla, said, of the two-block two-storey building, one block would have six units of two bedrooms while the other block would have six units of three bedrooms.
Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof Chinedu Mmom, said with the establishment of a campus of RSU in Etche, Wike has provided educational facility that would enable students do more practical for resourceful output.
On his part, Chairman of the Governing Council of RUS, Justice Iche Ndu, noted that Wike has done well, adding that his deeds would remain indelible in the annals of development of education in the state.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, said the project and other support given by Wike to the institute demonstrate his determination to promote access to education at a sustainable level.