Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has revealed that his grievances against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not about the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The Governor also added that he has no issues with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who emerged as the party’s Vice Presidential candidate as well.
Wike however revealed that his anger is against some vested interests within the party whom he described as “hyenas and rent seekers,” that do not want justice, fairness and equity in the party.
Making further explanation, the Rivers Governor said the only thing he wants is the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as the PDP National Chairman and his replacement by a southerner.
OsunDaily News reports Wike made his stand known in a statement by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri which he said when he hosted PDP Cross River candidates for governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, House of Assembly elections and local government party chairmen at his private residence in Rumueprikom.
The PDP South-South National Vice-Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih was also in attendance at the meeting, OsunDaily News reports.
“We have finished presidential primaries, we have a presidential candidate. Is Wike saying remove presidential candidate? Is Wike saying remove vice presidential candidate? So, what are you begging me for? All I am saying, and I will continue to say is that you have taken president, give us (national) chairman.
“Nobody wants to speak the truth. If I am saying remove the presidential candidate, if I am saying remove the vice-presidential candidate, then you will say why is he doing this,” the Rivers Governor said.
Ayu Must Go
Governor Wike insisted that the northern dominance of the PDP leadership is unacceptable saying the situation where the PDP presidential candidate, the national chairman and the Director-General of the presidential campaign council were all from the north is wrong.
He said he has accepted both Atiku and Okowa as presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively but Ayu must resign as he promised prior to the presidential primaries and be replaced by a southerner for peace to reign in the major opposition party.
Wike said: “He (national chairman) said if the presidential candidate comes from the north, he will resign, which means he has had this in mind. Now, the thing has come to reality, now resign, no. And people are saying go and talk to Wike.
“I’ve accepted the presidential candidate, I have accepted the vice-presidential candidate, what’s the problem again. You, fulfil your part. Let the South have something, that is all I’m preaching. You cannot have presidential candidate, national chairman, director general of the campaign.”
It Is Foolish To Wait
Speaking further, Wike said it is a foolish decision to wait till after the 2023 elections before insisting on justice for the south, saying now is the time when leverage can be used.
He said those praising the current PDP set up are no different from those sponsoring the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He insisted that those underrating him do so at their own peril.
The Governor said: “This is period that power game is being played. If you don’t have it now, forget it. If anybody tells you, let (Iyorchia) Ayu resign after election is conducted, then you are a foolish person. This is the time decision is being made.
“This is the time the presidential candidate, national chairman and the leader of campaign will sit, when election is won in February, before the president is sworn in, decisions would have been made.”
I Will Support Cross River
Wike also appreciated the contribution of the Cross River people during the PDP presidential primary, adding that he would also support them during the 2023 general election.
He said: “If there is nothing I achieved, I can go home and sleep that I won Cross River State. Not only did I win, I won very well. I feel so happy and that tells you of people who have character of steadfastness. People who will never be pushed around for whatever it is. People who believe in the principles of life, people who believe in fairness, justice and equity.
“This visit will spur me the more to give you support. I am not coming to Cross River to vote, but you are my friends. I have a right to support you.”
This article was originally published on OsunDaily News
