A grand plan is underway by staunch loyalists, associates, and friends of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, to shut down Rivers State, particularly Port Harcourt, the capital city, in celebration of his birthday.

The move is aimed at making a strong statement on Wike?s indisputable political leadership in Rivers amidst the ongoing crisis in the state.

In a show of solidarity, Wike?s political associates, loyalists, and friends from both within and outside the country will fly into Rivers to identify with the programme.

The loyalists have decided to use the occasion to celebrate Wike?s birthday with various events across the state.

New groups and movements, including the NEW Associates, Wikematic Youths, Wikematic Women, and Rivers Ijaw Progressive Congress (RIPCO), will be on parade on Friday at different venues across the state.

According to Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Convener of the NEW Associates, numerous supporters of the minister are excitedly waiting to mark the day.

Sekibo announced that a public lecture titled ?Pragmatic Strides of a Visionary Leader and Contemporary Issues of Society? would herald the celebration.

The day will also be used to unveil the footprints of the minister in various political positions he has occupied, from the state to the national level.

?The forthcoming birthday is unique in the sense that despite all efforts of the betrayers, the minister has been able to keep our political family in Rivers intact. He remains the indisputable leader of Rivers politics,? Sekibo said.

?He has survived all the machinations of the devil, and our leader, by the grace of God, continues to wax strong. We are calling on the numerous supporters of our leader to attend the event.?

The event will feature prominent guests, including the Senate President as the Special Guest of Honour, a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha, as the Special Guest of Honour and Guest Lecturer, and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. Sekibo said that Wike remains the indisputable leader of Rivers politics, having survived all the machinations against him.

The event promises to be a grand celebration of Wike?s birthday and a testament to his enduring political influence in Rivers State. (The Guardian)