As the politics of 2023 gathers more momentum, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that Rivers state would no longer behave like a ‘Father Christmas’ and give out its 3.2 million votes without negotiating what would accrue to the state in return.
Wike spoke at the flag-off of the 11th flyover project inaugurated by former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, at the Rumuola- Ikwerre Road-Rumuokwuta roundabout in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Governor Wike stressed that Rivers State is too strategic politically to be ignored by any serious-minded politician, who wants to win election.
“This local government alone, Obio/Akpor, where I come from, we registered not less than 600,000 voters. This local government beats two states in their electoral strength. So, we are not a state that you can take for granted, not to talk about the local government where I come from.
“I believe that they must know us here because we have what it takes to deliver. They must come and know us. I’m not going to find anybody. You must come here. You can’t take 600,000 votes away from my local government. You can’t take 3.2 million votes from my state just like that.”
He emphasised that the days were gone when supporters and electorate offer their votes and do not get anything in return.
“If we were father Christmas before, we won’t be father Christmas again? You must tell me what is there for me if I should vote. So, nobody should bother himself. At the appropriate time, we will talk to our people and our people will understand. If you say we don’t exist, we will tell you that you don’t exit. I am not a son to anybody. I am a son of Rivers State. I am working to attract what will benefit Rivers State.”
He said that more politicians in the state were renouncing membership of their political parties in droves and joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, they were doing that because they were delighted at ongoing infrastructural development by his administration and believed the PDP is a better party to associate with.
He explained that ongoing collapse of the membership strength of other political parties in the state was an electoral advantage for the PDP.
“We have collapsed every other party. Everyday, people from All Progressives Congress (APC) are joining our party. We are here doing that and some people are in Abuja; ask them, how many persons have they brought to the party? It’s not to say I’m supporting our candidate. How many people have you brought to help your candidate? We are here everyday bringing people to join our party and you are there following your candidate from Abuja to Adamawa. Is it there you’ll win the votes? Come back home.”
