14th December, 2014
Patience Jonathan, wife of the president of Nigeria, has stated categorically that former Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike is the next governor of Rivers state.
She said this when she paid a glowing tribute to late Senator Tari Sekibo who died age, 74. “Before you today is the next governor of Rivers State. He is the former Minister of State for Education, Barrister Nyesom Wike. The PDP is the best party and the most popular party in the country. The PDP is the leading party that will win Rivers state,” she said.
She then went on to eulogise Sekibo’s contributions to the Ijaw nation, describing it as selfless. Sekibo was the immediate past President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), died on November 18, 2013.
Mrs Jonathan made the remark at funeral in honour of Sekibo at the St, Peter’s Cathedral, (Anglican Communion) in Okrika, Rivers. “He lived a life of selfless service to the Ijaw nation and the country at large. He was very dependable; He did not succumb to financial inducement,” the first lady said.
Mrs Jonathan said further that the late Sekibo was her inspiration and mentor. “When you see me champion the cause of the Okrika people, I am only following in his (Sekibo) footsteps. Indeed, he was a bridge builder, disciplinarian and a peace maker.
“His death is a painful loss to the Ijaw nation; we cannot question God. I pray that we will have someone like him again and may he rest in perfect peace.
Also, President Goodluck Jonathan, in a condolence letter described the late Sekibo as a true patriot and committed Ijaw son.
“My heart especially goes out to his immediate family as well as his larger family of compatriots. And fellow travellers in the quest for the entrenchment of harmony, equity and justice in our land.
“As painful as his demise must be, the family can be consoled by the fact that his life must have been further enriched by his personal accomplishments,” President Jonathan said.
Some of the Dignitaries at the event include, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa , Rear Admiral John Jonah, (rtd),former Gov of Bayelsa DSP Alamesiagha, and former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nysom Wike.
NAN reports that the late Sekibo, was a medical doctor by training. He cut his political teeth when he was elected to represent Bonny11 Constituency in the House of Representative between 1979-1983.
He was elected a senator in 1983. He was married with six children.