Patience Jonathan Challenges Amaechi, Endorses Wike

In a subtle endorsement of the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, for the 2015 Rivers State governorship elections, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has presented the junior minister as the unifying factor of the state.

Speaking at the wedding reception of a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bapakaye, Dame Jonathan in a 22-minute speech which dwelt mostly on praising the former Chief of Staff to Governor Amechi, said Wike is one individual who has been able to bring together all the members of all the various political factions in the state, She added that he had been a major asset to the political landscape of the state.

‘’Wike has been a major unifier for the state; it is him that has made it possible for me to be here today. We need peace in the state; if not for Wike, I wouldn’t be opportuned to be here today. It is good to be good. Wike, I doff my hat to you.’’ Dame Jonathan later spoke on the importance of peace in the state.”

I am from Rivers State and I grew up in Rivers State, I am overwhelmed by this reception today; I am humbled and I shall always be loyal to you my people. The people who can move and shake the state are here today and we have all agreed to speak with one voice and one movement.

“We are talking about Rivers State; nothing can separate us as we come together to make sure that Rivers State move forward.” The first Lady also took a swipe at the Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration, even though, subtly. “I remember during the time of our father, Rufus Ada George, and during the administration of Peter Odili, people came from all over the world to Rivers State and it was then called Garden City. I pray that it will go back to Garden City.”

Those present on the occasion include three former governors of the state: George, Odili and Celestine Omehia; while wives of the Governors of Bayelsa State, Rachael Dickson; Cross Rivers State, Obioma Imoke; Abia State, Nkewe Orji and Anambra State, Margaret Obi were also present.

The event was also graced by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Abba Morro; former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Timi Alaibe; a former member of House of Representatives, Austin Okpara; Senator George Sekibo, and Abiye Sekibo.

The Governor Amaechi was absent at both the church wedding ceremony and the reception, as he was said to be away on official assignments.