The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has said he will ensure his successor is someone who will defend the interest of the people of the state.

This is as he revealed that he had directed elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state to begin the search for his successor.

He stated this during a birthday party organised for him by his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike in his private residence at Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state on Monday night.

Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Kelvin Ebiri disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Wike was quoted as saying, “I have dedicated this my birthday to make sure that whoever that is going to succeed me will be for the interest of the Rivers people, will be for the interest of the development of Nigeria.”

According to the statement, “Governor Wike, who narrated how he was hoodwinked to attend the birthday party that was secretly organised by his wife at his sport complex, thanked God for granting him a fruitful and eventful life.

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“He expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the wife of the governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominni Makinde and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion.”

The Governor urged people to continue praying for God’s grace over him and his family.

On her part, his wife thanked God for His steadfast love towards her husband.

Justice Nyesom-Wike, who showered encomium on her husband, prayed God to grant him his heart desires as well as long fruitful life.

Earlier, there was a novelty football match between team A and B of ex-Nigerian international footballers comprising of Austin Okocha, Taribo George, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Victor Ikpeba, Tijani Babangida, Samson Siasia among others.