Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday said that he would have lost the 2019 governorship election in the state to federal might if not because God intervened.

Wike described himself as the luckiest politician that was assisted by God to overcome the onslaught of federal might during the 2019 elections.

The governor, who spoke during the thanksgiving service of the senator representing Rivers South-East senatorial district, Senator Barinada Mpigi, at Saint Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Koroma Town, Tai Local Government Area of the state, said he fought federal might and survived because God was with him.

He said: “I am the luckiest politician who has always received God’s blessings. I don’t know how many people who have fought federal might and succeeded.

“God fought for us during the last elections and we were victorious. That is why I will always support the church. I will always continue to give thanks to God for his mercies.”

Governor Wike said only God had the power to enthrone his successor in 2023.

“I will not install my successor. It is God that will determine who will succeed me. Only God has the power to install my successor.

“However, I will fervently pray that my party succeeds in 2023. The insistence to plant a successor is mainly for selfish reasons. Everyone with the right capacity should come forward to tell Rivers people why they should vote him/her,” he said.

He described Senator Barinada Mpigi as a dedicated politician, who works hard to achieve results.

The governor said he had worked closely with Mpigi since 1999, because he was a trustworthy politician, adding that Mpigi had examined both PDP and APC, with the conclusion that PDP was the hope of Nigeria.

He said despite the challenges confronting the PDP, the future of the country was secured under the leadership of the PDP.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Omo Agege, who was represented by Senator Sandy Onoh, described Mpigi as a potent force for Ogoni, Rivers State and the South-South region.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, said Mpigi was a trustworthy politician, who ‘does not swerve in the face of pressure.’

He said though the contest for the senate leadership was fierce, he was not defeated. He said the election was manipulated by external forces that influenced the outcome.

Ndume lauded Governor Wike for being a courageous politician, who he said worked for the people, no matter the pressure.

Also speaking, the senator representing Rivers South-East, Senator Barinada Mpigi, thanked God for his mercies and for consistent political victories.

He commended Governor Wike for his contribution to his electoral victory. He said he would follow Governor Wike’s direction in 2023. (New Telegraph)

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