By Simeon Nwakaudu
The programme of the birthday service in honour of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, exuded gold. Every page had a touch of gold, indicative of the fact that a golden governor has transformed into an era of gold in his existence. A firm believer in God, a Christian to the core, Wike celebrated his birthday on December 13, 2017 in the presence of God. The service was held at the brand new Nyesom-Wike Family Chapel built by the governor in his country home in Obio/Akpor Local Government area. The church service was attended by friends and associates, including top functionaries of the state government.
Prominent among those in attendance include: Taraba State Governor, Dairus Ishaku, Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Rivers State governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Ben Obi, former NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN) Godwin Obla (SAN), former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Senator Lee Maeba, Senator George Sekibo and Prince Emma Anyanwu.
The second page of the birthday programmedescribed Governor Wike as a man called for a purpose, while the third page declared him as a servant leader who loves his people.
The preacher, Venerable Richard Okpara, described the celebrant as a man of destiny. He prayed for him, his wife, children and Rivers State. The cleric said Governor Wike has performed excellently and urged him to sustain his performance all through his two terms. He advised the Rivers State governor to continue to make Rivers people happy. It was an event for leaders from different geo-political zones to make statements about the person of Wike.
In his remarks, Governor, Ishaku stated that Governor Wike has done well for Rivers State and Nigeria, hence he should be celebrated. He said that the contributions of the Rivers State governor were significant to the revival of the PDP. Ekiti State governor and Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Governor Fayose described his colleague as a manifestation of courage and a hope for the downtrodden.
He said: “Our association with him has yielded positive results for the country as we will continue to stand for the ordinary people Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio said that the people of Rivers State have every reason to thank God for the gift of Governor Wike. He said the governor has remained focused in service delivery despite the distractions.
Also speaking, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus said Governor Wike is a miracle governor that has remained focused in the service of his people and the protection of democracy. Former Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi praised Governor Wike for being a committed and principled democrat who supported the committee at very critical times.
Wife of the Rivers State governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, praised the governor for his compassion for the less privileged, love for Rivers State and commitment to its rapid development. A quintessential leader, overnor Wike used the birthday service and dinner to re-dedicate himself to the service of Rivers and Nigeria.
Governor Wike said: “I will never do anything that will bring down the PDP. I will continue to work for the party to meet the expectations of Nigerians. Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to rise and salvage them. “I will continue to work for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria because my survival and longevity are deposited in the hands of God. God has protected me over the years, despite the challenges I have faced. Every additional year is a blessing from God and a call to greater service ,” Governor Wike said.