Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said that in the 2023 general election, votes from the State will be put where a concrete reward is guaranteed for such electoral support.
Wike recalled that since 1999, Rivers State had given the highest votes to the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), but such support has never been rewarded because there is no visible benefits in terms of federal government projects.
He spoke during the inauguration of the Etche Campus of the Rivers State University in Abara community of Etche Local Government Area on Tuesday.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The governor said, “At the appropriate time, we will decide on what to do. I want Rivers people to reflect on this because, since 1999, we have brought the highest votes to the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I challenge any state to say they have brought more votes for the PDP. Which state has given more support than Rivers State? Since 1999, show me one federal project in Rivers State. Is there any?
‘’So, if you want our votes, then tell me what you will give Rivers people. Our votes are not for dash anymore.”
He recalled that while some of his colleagues, during the 2019 general elections, negotiated and gave their votes to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Rivers State alone resisted by giving all its votes to the PDP.
Such persons, Wike noted are now talking as if they love the PDP more.
“This (federal) government fought us but we survived it. Most of them who are talking now, if this Federal Government had descended on them, most of them would have crumbled. he added
“They were going to negotiate with Buhari in 2019 and that was how Buhari won the election. They came to me, and I said no negotiation, the PDP must win.
“Some people told me, ‘be careful, they will kill you.’ Kill who? Who told you you will not die first before you reach me? So, those of you panicking, you don’t need to panic.
“If you have God, what are you afraid of? They have chased us, they’ve fought us but today we are standing strong.’’
Wike also clarified his comments on why he said he was willing to deal with those who want to challenge his electoral capacity.
The governor said God has given him power, and resources as a governor to do what is appropriate and good for Rivers people and will not leave what he would do for God to do.
