Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson has assured the people of Rivers State that he would work closely with other Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) towards ensuring victory in the re-scheduled State and National Assembly elections in their states.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Dickson gave the assurance on Sunday at a reception which followed a thanksgiving service held in honour of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesome Wike, at St. Peters Anglican Church, Rumueprikom in Port Harcourt, over his recent victory at the Supreme Court.
According to him, as the oldest PDP Governor in the South-South geo-political zone, it was incumbent on him to play a pivotal role in efforts geared towards strengthening the party’s existing structures at both regional and national levels.
While congratulating Wike and his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo for their victory, Dickson said that, whatever affects Rivers state has a ripple effect on Bayelsa State because both states share common history and cultural affinity.
He therefore, urged the people not to allow any issue to divide them, but remain united and work for the peace, progress and stability of the region.
Dickson, who extended a hand of fellowship to the Rivers people, advised them to rally round their Governor to enable him focus on delivering the dividends of democracy, particularly as the country was grappling with dire economic situation.
Also speaking, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom stressed the need for the political class to be mindful of utterances capable of causing a breach to national security, but rather focus on issues that would unite the people.
Earlier in his testimony at the church, Governor Nyesom Wike ascribed his victory at the Supreme Court to God, adding that, the judgement has forestalled crisis that might have led to destruction of lives and property in the state.
While assuring the Federal Government of his administration’s support in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country, Wike promised to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, peaceful and credible elections in the state.
He however, expressed concern over the lopsided manner corruption was being tackled in the country, adding that only perceived enemies of the ruling party were being accused of corruption.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey, charged Governor Wike to imbibe the virtues of loyalty, humility and ensure accountability, as everyone would be held accountable to God.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the event include former First Lady of the country, Dame Patience Jonathan, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Kelechi Igwe, former governors of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili and Celestine Omehia.
Others were former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete Spiff, former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi, members of the PDP National Working Committee, Senators Foster Ogola, Ben Murray Bruce, Lee Maeba, George Sekibo, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Austin Okpara as well as former ministers.