Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has promised that his successor, Siminalaye Fubara, and his deputy governor-elect, Prof. Ngozi Odu, will outperform him.
Governor Wike made the pledge during a public lecture and book presentation in his honour on Thursday at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt.
The governor stated that his government received wonderful support from Rivers State leaders and people, resulting in the accomplishment that his administration is celebrating.
Governor Wike solicited same support should be given to his successor because if Fubara administration fails, it will mean that all that made it possible for him to emerge as the next governor, have failed.
“I have that belief that the governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect will do very very well. He is somebody you can rely on. His yes is yes, that I can tell you.
“He is an accountant, they are very conservative. They don’t spend money anyhow. They spend the money where they know it will be useful. So, don’t rate us as the same. But he is a very good person.”
Governor Wike urged Rivers people to understand that no two persons are the same and therefore, should not expect the same level of relationship they experienced under his administration with the incoming government.
“Don’t compare that the way I relate with you should be the way the incoming administration must relate with you, no. We have different styles but what’s important is being able to deliver what will make out people to be happy.”
The governor, however, enthused that governor-elect, Fubara will be committed to deliver on what will make Rivers people happy.
“When people were struggling to be governors, he never one day came to me to say sir, I am interested. Only those who don’t have the interest of the State were those masquerading themselves, running around, those who I know that would sell the State the next day and I thank God they have all left.
He emphasised that the journey had not been easy, but with focus, commitment and help from God, he surmounted the challenges.
“If Rivers people were not in support of our administration, we would not have been encouraged to do what we have done. And so, I say to all of you our leaders, Rivers people that I appreciate every support you have given to us since 2015.”