Sultan of Sokoto Rechristens Wike Mr. Opener

By Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa-ad Abubakar, has declared that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, had opened the eyes of Nigerians on the true meaning of good governance through the delivery of quality projects, and named him “Mr. Opener”. 

This came as the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers formally honoured the governor with the title: “The Pride of Rivers State” for his outstanding developmental strides. 

While inaugurating the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariat Complex constructed by the administration of Wike yesterday, Abubakar said, “We will continue to commend you as long as the people commend you. I call you Mr. Opener because you have opened eyes to what governance should be. What you are doing will endear you to the people.”

He noted that the transformation of Rivers State under the leadership of Wike was real, pointing out that most of the projects being inaugurated as part of the Third Year Anniversary were inspected by traditional rulers after their national meeting in January this year.

“We saw these projects with our eyes, nobody told us. You cannot say that this governor has not worked. Even the enemies of progress will acknowledge that something is being done,” the Sultan said.

He stated that government was a process where the leader continued to do what is right and praised Wike for doing what is right for Rivers people. 

He urged the governor to concentrate on agriculture, especially oil palm production, when the people actualise their support for him next year. 

He stated that no matter the situation, the votes of Rivers people must count and the people allowed to determine their leaders. 

In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said his administration resolved to construct a befitting place where the traditional rulers would share ideas and contribute to the development of the state. 

He said his administration had worked closely with the traditional rulers to build peace which has led to the development of the state. 

He said: “I will always give priority to the welfare of Traditional Rulers. The traditional rulers are key to the stability of the country”.

 

The governor said his administration is committed to the delivery of projects, noting that the administration would continue to inaugurate key projects irrespective of criticisms by the opposition. 

 

He thanked the state traditional rulers for honouring him, adding that the honour would spur him to greater service. 

 

Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja, said the secretariat would serve as a centre to preserve culture and tradition. 

 

Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson, stated that Rivers people would re-elect Wike next year because of his planting of projects across the state.