Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is fully prepared for the 2023 general election.
The governor has, however, expressed optimism that his administration would finish strong based on its sterling performance since 2015.
Wike stated these when he paid a New Year visit to former Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili in Port Harcourt, and Nne-Nwe-Eli Emohua XIII, Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse in Emohua, respectively, last Sunday.
The Rivers State governor told Odili that he remained eternally grateful for the support he had rendered to his administration since 2015.
Wike was accompanied by the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, senatorial candidates for Rivers South-East and Rivers East, Senator Barry Mpigi; and Allwell Onyesoh; member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ken Chikere and others.
Ahead of the 2023 general election, he urged Odili to pray for seamless transition in the state and for the PDP to win all elective positions.
In his response, the former governor, Dr Peter Odili, said every genuine Rivers person was proud of Wike for the honour he has brought to the state as the best performing governor in the country.
He commended Wike for fearlessly defending and protecting the interest of the state from existential threats, which many didn’t know existed.
The elder statesman assured the governor that he remained committed to the total victory of the PDP in the state in the 2023 general election.
In Emohua, Wike told Nne-Nwe-Eli Emohua XIII, Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, that he had come to the council to formally notify the PDP stakeholders that the party has commenced politicking and ready for the 2023 general election.
“We are prepared for the politics and elections of 2023. We want to sound notice whether at the local, national and international level, that we are now set for this year’s election.”
He commended the king for his unparalleled support of the Rivers State Government since 2015.
The governor, who had earlier visited the former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Bennett Birabi, in Yeghe in Gokana Local Government Area, said he was optimistic that his administration would finish strong.
Wike said all the road construction projects being flagged off across the state would be completed before he leaves office in May.
“Continue to pray for us now that our tenure is almost coming to an end. We pray we finish well as we have always hoped that God will allow us to finish well.”
The governor also pledged to construct some internal roads in Yeghe community and Bori.
In same vein, the governor also visited the former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Barrister Ledum Mitee in K-Dere community.
He commended Mitee for sacrificing his legal career in pursuit of justice, fairness and equity for the Ogoni people.
“We have come to wish you happy New Year, and to encourage you to continue to play your elder statesman’s role of making sure that Rivers State is one, Rivers State works together for the interest of every person. You’re a detribalised Rivers person.
“Nigerians know you as somebody who will always stand for justice, equity and fairness. You have paid the price of standing for justice. Everybody knows that if not for what you stood for things would have gone wrong. You’re one of the shining lights in the legal profession.”
In his response, Barrister Ledum Mitee, said he was elated by the visit, and prayed God to continue to give the governor the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state.
“We feel tremendously grateful to God to have given you the vision and passion to transform Rivers State.”