9th August, 2022
By Okafor Ofiebor
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has slammed certain misguided politicians of the state who misconstrued his statement on Monday that he is in charge of the state.
“Because some people went to school late, they don’t understand when somebody says I am in charge of this State. I never said I am in charge of votes in this State.
“But I know I can talk to my people and my people will listen to me. Some people say, I have only one vote, I agree. I can’t vote two times. I will only vote once. But because of the services I have rendered to the people of this State, the State will listen to me.”
The governor stated that he had remained a consistent politician, not playing double game and urged Rivers people to be happy that they have a governor who will always defend the State.
He also decried the dearth of effective political leadership in Nigeria.
Such effective leadership, when identified, Governor Wike said, should place service above self and work to secure enduring development for the people and the country.
Governor Wike made the observation at the inauguration of the dualised Ogbunuabali -Eastern Bypass Road that was performed by the former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko on Tuesday.
The governor noted how wrong it is for people to think that leadership is a function of political party, when it is actually about the mindset of the individual.
“Leadership is not about party, leadership is about individual. Party is only a vehicle to actualise your ambition, to be able to tell your people I have this capacity.
“I have this quality to render services to you. If you take me away today from PDP to another party, I will still perform. So, it is not because I’m in PDP that I’m performing.
“It is because I have that passion for my people. It is because I have the commitment to serve my people. Take me to YPP, allow me to become whatever I will become there, I will perform. Take me to any party, I will perform. So, it is not party that makes you to perform.”
Governor Wike stated that his undying love, passion and commitment to render effective service to Rivers people have sufficiently differentiated him from other politicians.
That is why, he asserted, there is a sustained commitment to add value to life, impact change with the infrastructural revolution and make the state better.
Governor Wike said while others had used the economic hardship as excuse not to render leadership and service to their people, he found a more rewarding way to sustain the delivery of projects in Rivers.