Politicians need traditional rulers support to succeed – Gov Wike

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said that the political class in the country needs the support and blessings of traditional rulers’ in order to succeed.

Governor Wike stated these on Saturday at the palace of the Emir of Bauchi while on a courtesy visit to the Emir in the company of Governor Mohammed.

The governor enjoined the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, to always support Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Abdulkhadir Mohammed, for the governor to be on the right track for better performance in the state.

According to Governor Wike,  politicians deserve the support and advice of critical stakeholders, especially traditional rulers, to enable them to deliver good governance.

This, the governor, said is a result of the pressure being mounted on politicians.

He informed that he was in Bauchi as a result of his respect for Governor Mohammed, whom he described as his respected friend and colleague.

“Your Royal Highness, today I am in Bauchi because of my respect for my friend and very respected colleague, the Bauchi State governor. For me as a person, today is my second term of coming to Bauchi.

“Bauchi Emir is one of the respected traditional rulers in the country and please don’t hesitate to call us to order because we the politicians, we have so much pressure on us.

“I plead with you to assist the governor to be on the right track,” Governor Wike stated.

The Rivers State governor disclosed that he does not choose friends easily but Governor Mohammed has some so well to earn his (Wike’s) friendship.

“For you to be my friend, it is very very difficult, but Senator Bala has done so well to me and I want on behalf of government and people of Rivers to say that, we are happy to associate with the Bauchi governor,” he said.

Governor Wike then commended members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly for supporting Governor Mohammed despite being in the opposition, which he said is for the benefit and wellbeing of the people of the state.

“Mr. Speaker and other members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, I must commend you for supporting your governor.

“Despite being in the opposition, you decided to remain supportive to the governor for the interest of Bauchi people,” Wike said.

Also speaking during the visit, Governor Mohammed described his Rivers State colleague as one of the best performing governors in Nigeria today.

According to the governor, Wike has been able to deepen stakeholders’ involvement in governance and has been working for the interest of Rivers State people.

Karan Bauchi, as Mohammed is fondly called, informed that Wike is one of the governors making history in Nigeria in the areas of developing and building bridges and other needed projects.

“Your Royal Highness, we are always happy to be with you because of your pleasant personality and for what this place stands for.

“Today history is made, one of the persons that are making history, developing Nigeria, and building bridges are in your domain.

“Governor Wike, not because he is my friend, is a generous man and highly principled and passionate somebody who believes in the corporate existence of Nigeria,” Governor Mohammed informed.

According to the Bauchi State governor, his relationship with Wike has enabled him to learn so much from him, particularly in terms of executing projects capable of impacting positively on the people of the state.

“Barrister Wike has personally helped me in my life as a friend. We have worked in the cabinet of former President Jonathan and now he is my senior in the Governors Forum.”

In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Adamu reassured of the support of the emirate council to the state government for its success in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

The royal father stated that he is happy with the good relationship that exists between the two governors. adding that both of them have contributed to the growth and development of the country.