Wike counsels APC, but insists won’t join ruling party
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nyesom Wike, former Rivers Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G5 arrowhead, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to us its retention of federal power to correct the past “sins” it committed against Nigerians.
Wike spoke in Port Harcourt days after quashing rumour he planned to defect to the APC, with his perceived closeness to President Bola Tinubu, who carried Rivers in the election on February 25 through alleged rigging by Wike.
“APC should be jubilating that God has given them an opportunity at the cost of PDP. God gave APC the opportunity to repent from the sins they committed against Nigerians,” Wike said.
He again faulted the PDP for failing to follow its zoning principle which he said cost them the presidential election and gave the APC the chance to retain Aso Rock.
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Give Tinubu a chance to do the job, Wike counsels
Wike urged critics to support the Tinubu administration in delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
“God gave them [the APC] this opportunity now and they want to bungle it again by bringing in crisis,” he warned, via reporting by The PUNCH.
“If Mr. President doesn’t have a smooth administration, at the end of the day, who suffers? Is it not Nigerians? Let us believe that we are all one, let us give everyone a sense of belonging.”
‘Not begging for appointment’
Asked if he would accept an appointment from Tinubu, Wike declared he is not begging for one but will be interested in what capacity he will function in if offered.
“First of all, I am not lobbying for an appointment, for Christ’s sake. And I can’t only be important because you have given me an appointment. I mean, you should look at it very well.
“Two, Mr. President has not called me. With due respect, if Mr. President calls you and says, I want you to serve, maybe I will ask, in what capacity do you want me to serve? And he says it, I [will] say okay, thank you, sir.
“Look, I have a political team, I have a family, I won’t just sit down without talking to anybody and say oh Yes. Look, look, I am not begging for an appointment.”
Wike made the declaration less than 24 hours after he alongside former Ebonyi Governor Dave Umahi and Senator-elect Godswill Akpabio met with Tinubu behind closed doors at the Villa.