Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has dashed the hopes of politicians hoping to use his influence to become next governor of the state.
Wike has advised his political associates seeking to succeed him as governor to rather work hard to earn the support of Rivers people, stressing that he would not foist anybody without mass appeal.
The governor spoke while receiving the leaders and people of Oyigbo Local Government Area at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.
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He said, “I am not going to impose anyone on Rivers State as their next Governor. Anyone who wants to be Governor of Rivers State in 2023 should go and try.
“All those hoping on me, I want to disappoint you. I am an experienced politician; I have seen it all. There is nobody that you will make a Governor that will remain loyal to you”.
Governor Wike added that all citizens of Rivers State have the right to vie for the governorship position of the State, noting that Oyigbo people should not be intimidated by any other ethnic group.
“Nobody dashes power. You have to break the hand holding the power to collect it. Everyone is equal in this State. You need other people to be Governor.
“The next Governor of Rivers State will not emerge on the basis of Ethnic nationality. The next Governor will be someone who can carry everyone along”.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said that there would be no automatic ticket for any Local Government Chairman for second term.
“The emergence of any Local Government Chairman for second term will be on the strength of his performance and acceptance.
“The emerging local government councils must accommodate women into the system actively,” he said.
Wike also announced that his administration would dualize the Oyigbo-Afam road as a major encouragement to the Oyigbo people to defend their votes in subsequent elections.
He also announced a N50million fund for the daughter of a PDP agent killed by soldiers during the 2019 general election.
Earlier, Eze Mike Nwaji, who spoke on behalf of the Oyigbo people, praised Governor Wike for his projects in the area.