Wike: Count Niger Deltans out of Agitation to Divide Nigeria

Wike: Count Niger Deltans out of Agitation to Divide Nigeria

Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Wike, on Sunday asserted that leaders and people of the Niger Delta will always strive to defend the unity of Nigeria, saying the country remaining as one indivisible entity is ‘non negotiable’ and of paramount importance. 

Speaking when he paid a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar 111,  at his palace in Sokoto, Wike said the interest of Nigerians and Africans will be better served with Nigeria remaining as one ‘strong and united nation.’

Wike who was one of eminent personalities that witnessed the wedding ceremony of Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s daughter,  said he was in Sokoto to symbolise that Nigeria is one, irrespective of political parties.

“Let me first of all sincerely thank you, our father the Sultan, for what you are doing for this country, working tirelessly to bring peace and to bring unity to the people. So for all of us this is what is meant by one Nigeria.

“We cannot run away from this country. The unity of this country is very paramount. The unity of this country is non-negotiable.

" I am from the Niger Delta, from Rivers State to be specific so I cannot see us in a divided country. No way. We stand for the unity of this country,” Wike averred.

According to him, his administration has put a lot of time, resources and energy to protect national assets especially the ones in Rivers State.

“In Rivers you hardly find pipeline vandalisation. We are working at all times to protect national assets in our state. In my state, I am governor for all the people living in the state. I am not a governor of a particular political party, but a governor for all the people of Rivers State.”

While commending the Sultan for his leadership of the Muslim community in Nigeria, Wike said he was in Sokoto to felicitate with his colleague, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who gave out his daughter in marriage. 

He equally dispelled the notion that his relationship with Tambuwal had political connotation, saying he has been his friend for a long time, “long before politics defined who we are now.”

“Tambuwal is my friend for a long time. If anything affects him, it affects me also. If he gives out his daughter in marriage, I have to be here to support him. If any problem happens to him, it affects me as well.

“Your Eminence I am here to seek your royal blessing. You have blessed me before, that is why I am growing. So let me wish you a prosperous new year ahead,” he added.

Responding, the Sultan stated that such gatherings and meetings  would strengthen the unity and love among Nigerians.

 He noted the multitude who attended the wedding ceremony   from diverse background, adding that such symbolic gathering would continue to portray Nigeria as one country.

The Sultan commended  Wike for his stand on one Nigeria and called on  leaders at all levels to always work towards making Nigeria a great nation irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliation. 

He maintained that cordial relationships and peaceful co-existence guarantee success and development of any nation.