The Rivers State Government has approved January 27 of every year as a public holiday to mark the survival of the state from the forces of political conspiracy who attempted to subvert the mandate of the people.
The Supreme Court delivered her judgment validating Governor Wike’s election on January 27, 2015.
Also on Tuesday, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike reiterated his warning to those planning to rig the rerun elections in Rivers state, noting that they will be treated as armed robbers by the people.
Addressing thousands of civil servants at the State Civil Service Secretariat in Port Harcourt , Governor Wike said that the public holiday signifies God’s intervention in the affairs of Rivers State.
He said: “Every January 27 will be observed as a public holiday in this state because that is the day God came down to save Rivers State. What people must understand is that power comes from God. We know God speaks last and he has spoken.”
The governor also announced that Friday, February 5, will be observed as a public holiday to enable all Rivers people prepare for the rerun elections.
Governor Wike urged civil servants and other Rivers people to ensure they vote for PDP candidates in the re-run elections to promote harmony in governance and sustain the development agenda of the state government.
He pointed out that the defeated APC in the State plans to use the rerun elections to enter the political arena through the window , having been shut out by the people and the Supreme Court.
Governor Wike said: “When someone cannot come through the door, he may want to come through the window. Rivers people must not allow them. Our people must stop them from entering through the window to obstruct the good works of this administration. ”
Speaking further on the rerun elections, Governor Wike said that the will of Rivers people will prevail, adding that the use of security forces and other electoral officials to rig the process will fail woefully.
According to him, the people believe in the transformational leadership of the PDP, stressing that it was exhibited in Bayelsa State, where the use of force by security agents failed to deliver electoral victory.
He said: “Anyone who plans to rig an election is an armed robber and should be treated as such. If you are coming to rig an election in the state, first, prepare your will before embarking on the journey. Inform your wife or husband and go ahead to say your last prayer.
“When they used the security forces in Bayelsa State, it didn’t work. It will also not work here in Rivers State. Rivers State is a peaceful state and our people are peace loving. We want to remain so”.
The governor assured civil servants and pensioners that his administration will continue to pay their salaries and pensions. He said all welfare issues will be given top priority.
He, however, stated that steps will be taken by the administration to verify the actual number of civil servants and pensioners to stop payment to non-existent beneficiaries.
The governor added that the administration will work out modalities to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
Earlier, Head of the State Civil Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins commended the governor for being up to date in the payment of salaries and pensions. He assured the governor of the loyalty of the workers.