Rivers stands to gain nothing in supporting PDP — Wike
NEWS DIGEST – Rivers state has gained anything from supporting the People Democratic Party since the 1999 election that produced Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as president, according to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Wike was speaking at a ceremony at Elele Civic Centre on Monday to kick-start the construction of the Elele Internal Roads in Ikwerre Local Government.
Wike stated that the February 25 election will demonstrate how important Rivers state has been to the party’s previous successes.
The governor of Rivers state believed that by refusing to negotiate with President Muhammadu Buhari prior to the 2019 general elections, which the incumbent would ultimately win, he would be accorded greater respect inside the party and rewarded for his commitment.
With only seven weeks till the election, Wike reminded his critics that he would not be using state resources to assist the party’s nominee, Atiku Abubakar, for president this time.
“Despite the state’s contributions, there is nothing of note, in terms of projects that can be reckoned as benefits to justify the support,” Gov. Wike said.
Wike is one of five governors, including Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwanyi and Okezie Ipeazu, who dropped support for Mr Atiku Abubakar following a disagreement with National Chairman Sen. Iyorchia Ayu.
Although the G-5 is yet to publicly declare for another candidate, it is believed the group is actively working to install a powerful opposition figure in office.
Last Wednesday, Wike expressed his confidence that his candidate of choice, which is anticipated to be the consensus candidate of the G-5, will emerge victorious at the poll.
“We are here talking to our people, they are there in radio stations and television houses. We are here talking to our people. When you are finished, by that time, it’ll be too late,” Wike said last week.
