In Photos;Governor Wike,Rivers leaders visit Sultan of Sokoto...

As part of his mission to promote the  unity  of the country, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Tuesday  led prominent Rivers political leaders and First Class Traditional Rulers to pay a Sallah visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III.

Governor Wike and his entourage were received at the Sokoto International Airport  by the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal from where they  proceeded in a motorcade to the Palace of the Sultan.

At the Sultan's Palace, Governor Wike  received a royal welcome as leaders of the Sultanate and Traditional Rulers lined amidst music and dance to celebrate  his arrival. 

Speaking at the Palace, Governor Wike declared that the people  of Rivers State believe in the  unity of the country, noting that they will continue to work for the  country to stay united.

He said irrespective of religious differences,  all Nigerians  must ensure that they  work for the unity of the country. 

He described the Sultan as a Traditional Ruler who believes and  works for the unity of Nigeria.  

Governor Wike thanked the Sultan of Sokoto for participating in the Rivers Golden Jubilee and always supporting the Rivers State. 

Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar  called for dialogue  in the resolutions  of the challenges facing  the  nation.

He called on elder statemen across the country to call their people to order for the country to live in peace and attract development. 

While urging Governor Wike  to sustain  his developmental  projects, he charged political leaders to remain committed to projects delivery  as that will attract the goodwill of the people.  He said leaders who work for their  people will always be defended by their constituents. 

In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal described the visit as historic and relevant  to the unity of the country. 

Governor Wike was accompanied for the  Sallah Visit by Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Austin Opara, Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha, Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Evangelist Hope Ikiriko, Mr Sokipiri Graham-Douglas, Prince Emma Anyanwu and Former Attorney General of Rivers State, Hon Frank Ohwor. 

Also on Governor Wike's entourage were three traditional rulers: Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja, Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Gbobo Disrael Bob-Manuel and the Oda of Abua, King Kalley Obunge.

Simeon Nwakaudu

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media. 

27th June, 2017.