Wike endorses Sanwo-Olu for second term

…says Nigerians should reject presidential candidates with ethnic mindset

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, on Tuesday said Nigeria does not need a president with ethnic mindset in 2023.

Wike also said the performance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu should earn him a second term in office.

He spoke as the special guest of honour at the 2022 Annual Conference of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

At the conference with the theme: “Spring Forth, Stand Out,” Governor Wike also donated N300 million to COWLSO.

Speaking on the presidential election, the Rivers State governor noted that what Nigeria needs in 2023 is a man with the capacity to deliver and put food on the tables of Nigerians as well as solve the pervasive security problems in the country.

He said: “My view is that we’re looking for a president that has the interest of Nigerians, a president that has experience in governance, a president that Nigerians can say yes, he can put food on our tables.

“We want the president who will fight insecurity, that is who we are looking for, not some people who talk about ethnicity.”

He commended his Lagos State counterpart for giving women the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the state, especially in the judiciary.

He said: “By the grace of God, you will be a second term governor. Lagos is doing better than other states in this country because Lagos has allowed women to participate in governance in various capacities. I am very happy to participate in this conference. I don’t play politics of ethnicity.

“Even if Sanwo-Olu is in my party but is not doing well, I wouldn’t have come here. I do not regret saying I am in support of you. If you are not in my party and you are doing well, I will support you. If you are in my party and you are not doing well, I will not support you.

“So, why would you not support such a government that is encouraging this? Look at the physical infrastructure in Lagos. What do you say? Lagos is the Center of Excellence.

“There are some people who will be here, instead of them to make Lagos to continue to improve, they will bring the state down and that is not the case here. For me, I’m satisfied, it doesn’t matter the party’s difference.”

Wike further said the Rivers State government has emulated Lagos by ensuring that a woman became a deputy governor in 2015, as no female had ever served in that capacity since the creation of the state in the 60s.

Governor Wike commended Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for the several projects COWLSO had done under her leadership in the last three years.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the organizers of the conference for their positive contributions to the state.

He urged them to break new barriers, as well as set new targets for themselves.

He urged participants to vote for him for a second term in office, advising that they should not be deceived by anyone.

In her opening address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said this year’s theme was apt as the world is in need of solutions.

“As women, we owe it to ourselves to emerge into better versions of ourselves as we spring forth and keep pushing forward to make a positive difference,” she said.