Recall that the Supreme Court, on January 27, 2015, delivered her judgment validating Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s election.
Wike, who made the announcement while addressing thousands of civil servants at the State Civil Service Secretariat in Port Harcourt, said public holiday will mark the survival of the state from the forces of political conspiracy who attempted to subvert the mandate of the people.
He reiterated his warning to those planning to rig the rerun elections in Rivers state, saying that they will be treated as armed robbers by the people.
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He said: “Every January 27 will be observed as a public holiday in this state because that is the day God came down to save Rivers State. What people must understand is that power comes from God. We know God speaks last and he has spoken”.
The governor also announced that Friday February 5, will be observed as a public holiday to enable all Rivers people prepare for the rerun elections.
Speaking on the rerun elections, Governor Wike urged the civil servants and other Rivers people to ensure they vote for PDP candidates in the re-run elections to promote harmony in governance and sustain the development agenda of the state government.
He further said that the will of the Rivers people will prevail, adding that the use of security forces and other electoral officials to rig the process will fail woefully.
He said: “Anyone who plans to rig an election is an armed robber and should be treated as such. If you are coming to rig an election in the state, first prepare your will before embarking on the journey. Inform your wife or husband and go ahead to say your last prayer.
“When they used the security forces in Bayelsa State, it didn’t work. It will also not work here in Rivers State. Rivers State is a peaceful state and our people are peace loving. We want to remain so”.
On salaries, the governor assured civil servants and pensioners that his administration will continue to pay their salaries and pensions, adding that issues regarding their welfare will be given top priority.