Wike receives Sanusi, pleads for collaborative salvaging of Nigeria

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has challenged Nigerians on collaboration to salvage the most populous black nation from its current political and socio-economic woes.

Addressing the visiting former Emir of Kano and Grand Khaleefa of the Tijaniyyan Order in Nigeria, Muhammad Sanusi II, yesterday at Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor pleaded: “We should brace up. It behoves Nigerians to work together to salvage our country. We must work together to move this country forward. It doesn’t matter where you come from.”

He pointed out that development could only happen in a society that promotes good governance and rule of law.

Wike pledged that Rivers remains home to all, even as he reminded residents to conduct their affairs within the confines of the law at all times.

He said: “It is the place of government to provide development for its people and ensure the safety of all residents.”

The governor stated that it was wrong for some inhabitants to view the government’s efforts at providing security from the prism of religion or ethnicity.

Wike went on: “Rivers State, for me, is a place for all Nigerians. Wherever you come from, your religion is immaterial to me.  All of us are Nigerians, and we do things in common.

“The only thing I have always craved for is law and order. People should understand that no society could progress without behaving orderly and obeying the law. When you have a lawless society with no security, you can imagine the kind of state it will be.”

He pleaded with his visitor to counsel his followers in the state on obedience to extant laws and orderly living.

The governor explained that the relocation of the popular Oginiba Slaughter Market in the Trans-Amadi Industrial Area was to check criminal activities in the area.

He regretted that instead of people accepting the genuine efforts of the government to create a peaceful state for everybody, they rather view the measures as hatred against them.

Wike clarified that the construction of the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover in Port Harcourt had nothing to do with tribe or religion, but to further the development agenda of the state and provide safety for all residents.

On the rationale behind his courtesy call, Sanusi said he was on a familiarisation tour to leaders and members of the Tjjaniyya Order resident in the state as their Grand Khaleefa.

He lauded the quality of leadership demonstrated by the governor in making Rivers home to all Nigerians.

The ex-emir also acknowledged the quality of public infrastructure, as well as the developmental strides and security provided for residents by the Wike administration.

“This is part of the familiarisation tour to meet with the leaders and members of the order here in Port Harcourt,” he said.

I will like to thank your Excellency. They have informed me of the support they have received, and we have watched closely the efforts of his Excellency to make Rivers home to all Nigerians,” Sanusi added.