Notable Outcome Distinct and Worth Reading Newspaper
(By Iheanyi Ezinwo, Ayo Afolabi&Steve Ekeugo))-The hope of opposition politicians winning the governorship seat in Rivers State in 2019 has been described as baseless and laughable, in the face of Governor Nyesom Wike’s landmark achievements, which have been verified and commended by distinguished personalities from across political, tribal, religious and national boundaries.
This was the position of the Special Adviser to Governor Wike on Political Matters and Strategy, Barr. Emeh Glory Emeh, while responding to journalists on the sidelines of the red carpet for the award of BEST GOVERNOR in Nigeria on Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State by the Business Day newspaper in Abuja over the week end. The governor was represented at the occasion by Hon. Kenneth Kobani, Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
On the chances of Governor Wike in 2019, the special adviser had this to say:
“You said you were in Port Harcourt last in 2015 or so. I want to oblige you a return ticket to come to Port Harcourt and see whether the state is the same as you met it in 2015. I bet you, you are not likely to understand the geography of the city that is popularly known as garden city of Nigeria.
“Most people who visit Port Harcourt today have difficulties finding their bearing, the reason being that Governor Wike has, within that period of three years, transformed the city and its environs to a sophistication of some sort, such that, the state is now, not only an investment haven but a tourist destination”, Emeh explained.
Speaking further, the Emohua born politician argued that it is not possible to be in Abuja or elsewhere outside your state and think that the people can give their vote on a platter of gold.
‘’Wike’s performance had made it impossible for anybody to anticipate or take the people of Rivers State for a ride.
“You must show what you have done for the people and why they should cast their vote in your favour. Governor Wike has performed in infrastructural development and social rejuvenation of the psych and image of Rivers people, and this has comparatively made his chances for re-election in 2019, in the parlance of lawyers, a fait accompli.
“It is therefore, foolhardy, for anybody to think that he can win election by relying on what they call federal might. You can only rig election where you are popular. In Rivers state, APC or any other party for that matter, or a combination, will find it very difficult to change the direction of the people of Rivers State, who are united in their opinion that there is no alternative to Wike in 2019”, the special adviser emphasized.
Answering a question on the award of Best Performing Governor in Nigeria in 2018 on Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State by Business Day newspaper, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh explained that the award is the icing on the cake .
He reminded the journalists that Governor Wike has received similar awards in the past, in the same category, as over all performing Governor in Nigeria from several other Grade A newspapers in Nigeria. The special adviser further recalled the Habitat award from United Nations; the award of POWER OF SPORTS for Africa in Belgium, among other recognitions.
Barr. Emeh said: “Even opponents APC, through the office of the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, overwhelmed by the unprecedented and uncommon developmental strides of Governor Wike, nicknamed him ‘Mr. Projects’.
“You are also aware, even the Clergy bestowed him the award of APOSTLE OF PEACE , and the Chieftaincy and Traditional Council in the state also honoured the governor with the prestigious title of the PRIDE OF RIVERS PEOPLE.
“You can therefore agree with me that the Popular View in Rivers State today is that, Governor Wike has no competitor in 2019, and anybody who wants to challenge that should come home and show the people what they have done for them to change the narrative.
“This is where we are in Rivers State. We are here today at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, to receive yet another feather on the cap of the Man the cap fits, and as the people say, whoever the cap fits, let him wear it”, the political strategist concluded.
