I am indeed impressed with the bewildering grass-root momentum of the campaign of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Candidate in Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike. Even those who had hitherto thought he was not the best candidate have now come to see that he feels the pulse of the people and understands the pain of the average Rivers man across all boundaries of Rivers State.
Yet again, Nyesom Wike has shown, much unlike his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, that he understands the politics of Rivers State and recognizes that his candidature, which did not come without its own issues, must do one thing: Heal the Land and bring our people back together again. He looks more than ready to do that. This is the main reason why Nyesom Wike will win. This is the reason why his victory will not just be ordinary but a deafening and resounding landslide for the PDP.
In the early weeks of December, there were quiet whispers amongst many that they would vote for the APC candidate for Governor while their votes for the Presidential elections would go to President Goodluck Jonathan. All that is changing so swiftly now. It is PDP all the way.
The reason for this change is not too far fetch. Rather than rest on his oars and believe that a presidential backing was all that he needed to win the Governorship of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike immediately began a statewide movement to bring out the votes from every nook and cranny of Rivers State. He commissioned apostles, disciples and rainmakers to go into every part of Rivers State, talk to voters, explain his mission of redemption and win their confidence and their votes. This strategy has not failed one bit. He did not stop there. Much before his opponents, he reeled out a well documented plan for the redemption of Rivers State in a captivating and reader friendly booklet.
Even so-call high-risk areas like watersides that were hitherto no-go areas for politicians were not left out. Local and inner city markets and motor parks were also not left out by the Wike Campaign team, which saw the candidate himself walking on muddy roads even under heavy rainfall, waving hands at cheerful onlookers and personally canvassing for votes.
This is the first time a gubernatorial candidate has campaigned in this manner in the history of democracy and politicking in Rivers State. Nyesom Wike went into places like Bundu waterside. He walked through the shops in the popular motor spare parts market and enjoined almost every shop owner to vote for him even as he rolled out his plans for them. He visited the popular Timber market at Iloabuchi to the surprise of market folks who came out in their numbers to listen to him explain how he intends to add value to their lives if they add their votes and ensure that he is elected as Governor of Rivers State.
It is the energy that Nyesom Wike puts into his campaign that seems to be endearing him to the people of Rivers State especially the new voters who suddenly see a greater Rivers under his leadership as Governor.
They see, in Nyesom Wike, a Governor who will ensure that roads awarded for construction in Rivers State are completed.
They see a Governor who will ensure that schools across Rivers State are equipped.
They see a Governor who will ensure that children in Rivers State will be encouraged to go to school.
They see a Governor that will unify Rivers people and ensure that our democracy will ensure a better life for all.
They see a Governor who will work with the Federal Government to ensure that development is timely delivered to the good people of Rivers State who have some time now been left at the mercy of a recalcitrant governor who has rather channeled his energies and the resources of Rivers State to fund the presidential campaign of former despot General Muhammadu Buhari.
Nyesom Wike is not insulting former political leaders of Rivers State and accusing them of wanting to steal and share Rivers money. Rather, he has brought all of them together and renewed their resolve to work for a greater Rivers State.
He is not accusing the President and his wife of plotting to assassinate him. He is not threatening the people of Bayelsa State over the Soku oil wells. Rather, he is promising to work with the Federal Government, the people and government of Bayelsa State as well as all relevant agencies for a smooth resolution of the Soku Oil well matter. This is leadership.
It is this promise of a NEW Rivers State that is propelling the renewed vigor and clamor for Nyesom Wike as Governor of Rivers State.
Written by George Kerley.
