Governor Wike was declared the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after the conclusion of the collation of results in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The Union, in a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo, noted the uncommon courage, resilience and political sagacity displayed by Governor Wike during the long and strenuous journey back to the Brick House, and described his re-election as a victory for democracy.

According to the statement, “Governor Wike’s landslide victory at the just concluded poll bears eloquent testimony to the resolve of the Rivers people to take their destiny in their own hands.

“It is also in appreciation of the giant strides recorded by Governor Wike during his first term in office.

“The Union hopes that Governor Wike’s landslide victory will spur him to reciprocate the confidence and trust reposed in him by the Rivers electorate, as well as propel him to carry on the huge task of governance in the state.

“As an astute administrator and a politician par excellence who has, over the years, demonstrated great passion for changing the face of Rivers State, we believe that Governor Wike’s victory at the poll will spur him to redouble his efforts in rendering selfless service to the state”.

The NUJ, however, enjoined the governor to use the occasion of his victory to lift the ban on promotion of civil servants in the state, and work towards clearing the backlog of promotion arrears, gratuities and pensions of workers.

“It is our hope that the governor will implement all his campaign promises in record time, even as we urge him to be magnanimous in victory by extending the hands of fellowship to the opposition in the efforts to develop the state””

“We also urge Governor Wike to initiate a peace process that will reconcile all Rivers people irrespective of political leanings, especially those who may be aggrieved as a result of the election.

“As a Union, we assure the governor of our unalloyed support in his onerous responsibility to make a difference in the governance of the State,” the statement read.