Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko stated that Governor Wike raised public awareness about the flaws in the federal system and campaigned for true federalism through bold legal challenges.
Mr. Mimiko made the statement on Wednesday when flagging off construction work for the dualisation of the Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road in Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike, he added, combined such national advocacy with strong political leadership, and he undoubtedly changed the physical landscape of Rivers State.
“Beyond the self evident physical transformation. You (Wike) have stood as a bulwark against those sworn to emasculating the main opposition party, all in their bid to force a one party State down the throats of Nigerians.
“You were at one point virtually a one man countervailing force, defending and protecting our dear PDP. You have also, through bold legal challenges, deepened the national consciousness on the defects in the running of our defective federal system.”
Julius Berger MD
Mimiko, Wike pictured alongside prominent dignitaries
A billboard announcing the flagging off
The former Ondo State Governor said he was sure that governor Wike will remain committed to the struggle to entrench a true federal system that will engender real development across all ethnic nationalities, across all religious persuasions in Nigeria.
He pointed to the urgent need by all well meaning Nigerians for national unity, which is the required impetus to effectively confront the intractable security and economic challenges.
“Your Excellency, our Party, the PDP, a Party for which you have laboured so much, seems saddled with the historical duty of forging this unity, a unity premised on truth, equity and justice, a unity upon which rescuing Nigeria from the far from satisfactory performance of the past seven (7) years will be built.
“It is a mission that must be accomplished. A mission for which you are specially positioned and favoured to play a major role. A mission that must be subscribed to by all lovers of our country.”