Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that nobody can make Rivers people feel like second class citizens, pointing out that all Nigerians are equal stakeholders in the country.
He said that Rivers people deserve the total respect of other Nigerians because of their contributions to the sustenance of the country.
Speaking during the courtesy visit by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide on Friday, Governor Wike said: “Nigeria belongs to all of us. No one ethnic group can claim ownership of the country.
“Nobody should make you feel like a second class citizens. If there are any first class citizens, Rivers people are the first class citizens, since they provide the resources that sustain the country “.
He stated that Rivers State would have collapsed, if God has not been on the side of the state. He noted that everything has been done to paralyse the state’s development, but the state has always risen above the evil machinations against the state.
He assured the people of the state that he will always place the interest of the state above any other considerations.
“No amount of persecution will stop me from doing what is right. I will continue to defend the interest of our people.
“I am from Rivers State and I will protect the interest of the state “, he said.
The governor called on the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide to team up with other ethnic groups to develop the state.
“All ethnic groups must work in unity to ensure that Rivers State attains development “, he said.
In his remarks, President of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Prof Simeon Achinehu lauded the governor for the statewide development since he assumed office.
He declared that the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide appreciate the achievements of the governor. He said that the organisation will host to a reception.
The President of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide regretted that security personnel were used to perpetrate electoral malpractices on December 10, 2017. The group called for the reinstatement of the security details of the governor and also asked that the governor should be allowed to perform his constitutional roles without persecution.
Meanwhile, Governor, Wike, has advised security agencies against participating in electoral malpractices, saying that such illegal actions lead to electoral violence.
The governor also declared that when a government is performing and is popular with the people, it is difficult to use security forces to subvert the will of the people.
Speaking yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to Major General Enobong Udoh, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Governor Wike said there was no loss of life during the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency supplementary elections because the Nigerian Army and Police did not participate in the snatching of electoral materials.