Details have started to emerge how the strategies that led to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s victory were hatched in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with Governor Nyesom Wike.
Abaseki, now of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), came to Port Harcourt Wednesday, September 23, 2020, as part of his ‘thank you’ tour of key states that he said helped him reclaim his mandate after he had been ditched by Adams Oshiomhole’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
In Port Harcourt, Obaseki said, “After I was pushed out of my former Party, this house was the first place I sought solace. You took me in as a brother, out of the storm, changed my cloths and gave me food to eat.
“It was in this house, the Campaign Council met to work out the key strategies that led us to victory.
“You mobilised people across the country. You moved to Benin, went through the humiliation and attacks. You supported us and we won.
“It will be a sin against God if we do not come to say thank you. Even if the victory we are celebrating is from God. He has used people like you to make it happen,” he said.
Obaseki said after God, Wike was the second pivot for his electoral victory. He noted the commitment of Governor Wike in ensuring electoral victory for him by relocating to Edo State despite the needless attacks from the opposition.
In his response, Rivers State governor said his support was informed by the fact that Governor Obaseki was courageous and fearless.
According to him, standing against forces of godfatherism was not easy, but Governor Obaseki made himself available to protect the interest of Edo State.
“Our work would have been difficult if he did not make himself available. I cannot support a lily hearted person. Governor Obaseki was firm.
“It is not easy to fight godfatherism. But he has the interest of Edo people at heart. Together, we have conquered it,” he said.
Governor Wike also clarified that he had advocated unity within the party. He explained that when Governor Obaseki joined the PDP, he pushed for all interests to be considered.
That position, he said, paid off because the Party went into the electoral battle as a united family and clinched the victory.
“I did not want division. I insisted that it will be good we are all together. This will make it easy to go into the electoral battle and win.
“I thank you my brother, Obaseki, for carrying everybody along in the party. Edo people are also looking up to you to forgive everybody.
“Forgive your political opponents. I am happy that today, South-South is under one political party. This will make for integration. We can speak with one voice in moving Nigeria forward.
“This is the sweetest electoral victory I have ever witnessed,” he added.
Wife of the Edo State Governor, Betsy Bene Obaseki, presented Souvenirs to Governor Wike and his wife ,Justice Suzzette Eberechi Wike.
The items, she said, will serve as symbols that will strengthen the existing friendship.
According to her, we have to remain as one to attain the desired plans of God.
