By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday praised the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in particular, and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors for their role in his re-election at the September 19 gubernatorial poll.
The governor gave the commendation during his thank you visit to Governor Wike at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Obaseki was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, and his wife, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, with members of the Edo PDP Campaign Council led by Chief Dan Orbih.
He said Edo people were instrumental to his re-election for a second term, adding, “I want to thank Edo people for their doggedness and determination in ensuring that their votes counted and the will of the people achieved. The victory at the September 19 poll was made possible by God and God used the people as an instrument to actualise my second term ambition.”
Obaseki expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for Edo gubernatorial election, for his immense contribution to his victory at the poll, adding that Edo people recognise his strategic role.
He described Wike as a vessel used by God to secure him a second term in office.
Obaseki said when he was rejected by the All Progressives Congress (APC), he first ran to Wike, who gave him the consolation that eventually paid off.
He said Wike was the second pivot after God in the entire process that led to his victory at the just concluded poll.
Obaseki, according to a statement by Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, acknowledged commitment of Wike in ensuring electoral victory for him by relocating to Edo despite attacks from the opposition.
He 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.”
Wike said his support was informed by the fact that Obaseki was courageous and fearless.
He said standing against godfathers was not easy but that Obaseki made himself available to protect the interest of Edo State.
He said: “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”.
Wike also clarified he advocated unity within the party explaining when 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.
He said: “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”.
Obaseki assured that Edo will be better with his re-election as his administration will concentrate on delivering development to the people.
