Wike explains fracas with Atiku over Ayu not personal

Wike explains fracas with Atiku is for justice to prevail

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has clarified his outbursts against Atiku Abubakar is not a personal fight between him and the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate but for the party’s national chairmanship to rotate to the South.

Iyorchia Ayu remains in the post, with Atiku’s backing, despite Ayu’s original promise to step down for a Southerner. Wike and other PDP Governors in the G5 say they will not support Atiku unless Ayu resigns.

Wike explained when he hosted political associates and members of Rivers Elders Council  on his 55th birthday at his private residence in Rumueprikom that he has no regret contesting the PDP presidential primary which he lost to Atiku.

“I don’t regret I ran for the Presidency. In the name of God, I am happy to make Rivers proud as far I am concerned.

“If they had allowed it to be what it is supposed to be, I would have won the election. But it’s okay. It has happened,” he said.

“People said it’s because I lost election. It doesn’t matter. I didn’t lose election.

“This is my first time of trying to run for the Presidency of Nigeria and we made impact. If it is easy, let them go ahead. Are they not the ones begging.

“I have no problem with the presidential candidate [Atiku]. All I am saying is what is the interest of Rivers people? What is the interest of the South South, and the South?”

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Political offices in Rivers

“I called Austin [Opara], he sat here and I said, ‘look my brother, leave it, it will not work. I don’t want to cause crisis in our system.

“[Rotimi] Amaechi finished eight years as Governor, I’m going to finish eight years as Governor too,’ Wike added, according to reporting by Vanguard.

“It will be difficult to sell another Ikwerre person as Governor for another eight years. [Celestine] Omehia said he wants to go to the Senate, I said leave it. Ikwerre has gone, Ogu has gone, leave Etche to go.

“You people said I should go [to the Senate], I said I won’t.  Allwell [Onyesoh] could not have stopped me.

“Yes, today we are the majority, you don’t know what tomorrow will be. I never did anything to undermine anybody. We must understand that.”

Fubara as Rivers PDP governorship candidate

“When O. C. J. Okocha comes back, we will publish the agreement signed by all.

“We will win. I am not running for election, but I’m running an election. My name is not on the ballot, but I’m running an election.

“You’ll hear what is going to happen. Everybody don’t panic. It is something God has given to us.”

Rivers Elders express support for Wike

Rivers Elders Council Chairman Alabraba told Wike: “since after the primaries and all the matters arising, a lot of people have been wondering where are we going, what are we doing?

“But, I assure you that the belief we have in you and your leadership, whenever you decide to say where we are going, that is where all of us will go. We are not in a hurry.

“We will deliver Fubara as our Governor, deliver all Reps, Senate and all state Assembly candidates.

“But for the other one, we are waiting for whenever you decide. We will wait for you. Whatever you decide, that is where all of us will go.

“We thank God that you have the ability and capacity to carry along a number of colleagues today known as the G5.

“Those are the most popular Governors in this country today. And we are not pressurising you.

“Whatever the group comes up with, whichever decision you take, be rest assured that your fellowship will key into it and support you to the last.”