Updated: Wike declared winner of Rivers election

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Governor Nyesom Wike, winner of the Rivers State governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, State Returning Officer, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Professor Teddy Addia, declared that Governor Wike polled 886,264 votes to defeat his closest rival Biokpomabo Awara of the AAC who polled 173, 859..
According to Prof. Addia, “That I, this day confirm that I am the returning officer for this election and that Nyesom Wike of the PDP having satisfied requirement of the law and scored the highest number of the votes is hereby declared winner and stand elected.”
Addia said that a total of 3, 048, 741 voters were registered across the state for the elections, and a total of 1, 130, 445 were accredited, while a total of 1, 123, 840 votes were validated as a total of 249, 324 votes were either cancelled or elections not held.
In its reaction, the PDP said Wike’s victory is triumph of good over evil.
In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party says Governor Wike’s record 700,000 votes margin of victory “speaks volume of the resilience of the people of Rivers State in the face of intimidations, harassment and manipulations by oppressive forces”.
In his congratulatory message, the PDP Presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku said: “My hearty congratulations to Governor Nyesom Wike on your hard earned re-election. It gives me much pleasure to see a political force for good, such as yourself, overcome the anti-democratic forces of dictatorship and oppression.
“The Peoples Democratic Party is blessed to have a political gladiator, such as yourself, on our side. The citizens of Rivers state are fortunate to have a genuine progressive return to extend the frontiers of progress and development for them.
“And I am favoured to count you, Governor Wike, as my friend and brother, and Rivers state as my second home.
As your victory is savoured by men of goodwill all over Nigeria, I am sure you will continue the pattern of good works for which you have become known.
“Nigeria needs men like you. Men who can remain firm, unbowed and resolute in the face of trying times. You have proved that you have character under trial, and not just when the going is good. Such refinement will stand you in good stead as, by the grace of God, you finish the good work you have started in Rivers state.
“Congratulations once again and may God bless Rivers state and her people and may God bless Nigeria and Nigerians.”