*As Wike is treated to grand reception by Obio/Akpor people
Rivers State governor, Siminialayi Fubara says he will continue to seek guidance from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike to enable him perform excellently in office.
The governor noted the enormous responsibility associated with governance and the success record of Wike that he has inherited, which serves as great motivation for his administration.
Governor Fubara spoke at the grand reception organised by the chiefs, leaders and stakeholders of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area for Wike at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola community.
The grand reception for Wike was a warm welcome back home staged by Obio-Akpor people for their son for representing the Ikwerre ethnic nationality and the State well, while he served as governor of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara said the available evidence of performance of the former governor tells of the giant strides of a man who has gallantly ended another phase of public service.
He asserted that the former governor conceived a vision of leadership, and followed it through conclusively without compromising it.
“It’s not how the story starts, it is how it ended. Available evidence around us is showing clearly that the story of my principal (former governor Wike) has not ended, but he’s ended this phase well.”
“It ended because he had a vision. It ended well because that vision was not compromised, he followed it to the end.”
“So, I was to join the people of Obio/Akpor to congratulate you and to say you are a worthy son, that is why your people have to receive you and welcome you home.”
Governor Fubara stated that he is an unapologetic benefactor of Wike who is determined to continue to study the administrative prowess political calculations, decision, and exploits in order not to disappoint Rivers people.
“As one of your benefactor, I will continue to study you. I have not learnt all that I need to learn. I still need to learn more because this business (of governance) is not an easy business. It’s a business that, life can be very white in the morning, and in the afternoon its grey.”
“So, I still need that guidance from you. I will still come to you whenever I have any problem for your advice.”
“Please keep your house and your door wide open for us, because we want to succeed like you succeeded.”
In his speech, former governor Nyesom Wike thanked the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area for the honour done him and not abandoning him in his political career.
Wike was conferred the title of Okwurume 1 of Obio/Akpor, and expressed delight over the rousing welcome that emboldened his feeling of nativity as being of Ikwerre stock and an Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area.
The former governor, thanked his kinsmen for also bestowing chieftaincy on his wife, recalled incidences of betrayal by some of his political associate in Port Harcourt and Ikwerre Local Government Areas during the 2023 general election. He however, commended the people of Obio-Akpor for their steadiness
But despite such betrayal, Mr. Wike maintained that he did not sell out the interest of Rivers State for portage like others did, and he feels so satisfied that the southern presidency that he and his team supported was achieved.
Mr. Wike said with the challenges of transition and political betrayal now over, there is now a successor on the saddle.
The former governor assured that he and members of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) now have the governor as their leader and will definitely respect his leadership and they will support him to succeeded.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator John Azuta Mbata said the people organised the reception for an illustrious son who created so much national impact, flying the Ikwerre nationality flag and making them proud.
Press Unit
Government House, Port Harcourt
May 30, 2023.
