Loyalists, associates and friends of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, have perfected plans to shutdown Rivers State, particularly, Port Harcourt, in celebration of his birthday,
It gathered that the loyalists have decided to use the occasion to make a strong statement on what they referred to as Wike’s indisputable political leadership of Rivers amidst the ongoing crisis in the state.
It was also gathered that new groups and movements would be on parade on Friday this week at different venues across the state to celebrate the birth anniversary of the former Rivers Governor.
Already, a new political movement with acronym “NEW Associates”, coined from the first letters of the minister’s names, Nyesom, Ezenwo Wike, was said to be leading preparations for the celebrations.
Other groups such as Wikematic Youths, Wikematic Women, Rivers Ijaw Progressive Congress (RIPCO) among others were reportedly mobilising for the event.
It was learnt that Wike’s political associates, loyalists and friends within and abroad would fly into Rivers to identify with the programme.
The Convener of the New Associates, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, said numerous supporters of the minister were excitedly waiting to mark the day.
Sekibo said a public lecture titled, Pragmatic Strides of a Visionary Leader and Contemporary Issues of Society would herald the celebration.
The former senator said the day would also be used to unveil the footprints of the minister in various political positions he had occupied from the state to the national level.
He identified the Senate President as the Special Guest of Honour; a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha as the Special Guest of Honour and Guest Lecturer as Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
He said: “The forthcoming birthday is unique in the sense that despite all efforts of the betrayers, the minister has been able to keep our political family in Rivers intact. He remains the indisputable leader of Rivers politics.
“He has survived all the machinations of the devil and our leader by the grace of God continues to wax strong. We are calling on the numerous supporters of our leader to attend the event”.