PATIENCE JONATHAN BACKS WIKE’S GOV BID

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has expressed her support for the governorship bid of former Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, saying the aspirant is primed for the leadership of Rivers State.
Speaking when she paid a solidarity visit to Wike in his Abuja residence on Thursday, Jonathan said, she came to give him her blessings, noting that the former minister proved himself when he was in the federal cabinet.
She said, “I am giving you the blessing of a mother. The blessing a mother gives to a beloved son. Go and you will conquer. He is a Minister that delivered while he served in the cabinet. Wike proved himself and is ready to serve in a higher capacity.”
Jonathan described the former minister as a listening and respectful politician who obeyed her when she asked him to drop his senatorial aspiration in 2011.
“You listened to me and dropped your senatorial aspiration. I pray God to protect you, lead you and please go on with your aspiration.
“I have handed you (Wike) over to our father, Dr. Peter Odili and the people of Rivers State. You are going to Rivers State for the betterment of all of us and to wipe our tears,” she stated.
After her speech, she symbolically handed Wike over to the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, who was part of her entourage.
Responding, Wike assured the First Lady that the PDP would emerge victorious in all elections in 2015.
He commended the First Lady for serving as a mother to all Rivers people, pointing out that the PDP would continue to wax stronger under her guidance.
Also speaking, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, said that with the support of the First Lady, PDP in Rivers State has gained more grounds and is ready to win in 2015.
He said leaders of Rivers PDP collectively bought governorship form for the former minister because they are united in the quest to take over from the All Progressives Congress government in the state.
Prominent Rivers indigenes at the meeting include, Senator Adewari Pepple, Evans Bipi, Chief Sergeant Awuse, former deputy speaker, Chibudom Nwuche, Chief Austin Opara, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Executive Director, Finance, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Ogiri, former commissioner of Sports, Boma Iyayi and an Ogoni political chieftain, Chief Kenneth Kobani.
Source: Punch