At birthday, PDP leaders extol Nyesom Wike’s virtues

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday eulogized Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who clocked 50 years, describing him as an achiever and a principled democrat.

Among those who extolled the virtues of Wike are the new national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, Governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba).

At an event organized to mark his birthday in Port Harcourt, Wike charged the national working committee of the PDP to stabilise the party, saying Nigerians were yearning for it to better their lot. He said the new leaders must not compromise, no matter the bait.

“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 who are waiting for the PDP to rise and salvage them,” he stated.

The governor said he had remained politically strong in Rivers State because of the support he received from the leaders from across ethnic divides.

“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 Ishaku said Wike had done well for Rivers State and Nigeria and should be celebrated. According to him, Wike’s contributions were significant to the revival of the PDP.

Ekiti State governor and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Fayose described Wike as a manifestation of courage and a hope for the down- trodden. “Our association with him has yielded positive results for the country as we will continue to stand for the ordinary people,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio said the people of Rivers State had reason to thank God for Wike who had remained focused in service delivery despite distractions.

Secondus said Wike had 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 Wike for being a committed and principled democrat who supported the committee at very critical times.