Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says he cannot be bought over by any politicians or anybody to influence his position over the 2023 general elections. He made this comments amidst the growing rift in the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
BASIC FACTS
- Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said he cannot be bought by any politician.
- Wike has been involved in countless negotiations with Presidential candidates toward 2023.
- Governor Nyesom Wike spoke at the commissioning of Rivers State University campus Etche.
WHAT WE KNOW
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says he cannot be bought over by any politicians with regard to the 2023 general elections, insisting that he does not want any appointment at the federal level.
Governor Wike, who has been in running battle with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, maintained that his support for PDP had never been in doubt since 1999.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State however, insisted on his previous claim that the state had never benefited from any of the federal government’s projects throughout the PDP administration and in the present one led by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Rivers State University’s campus in the Etche area of the state, maintaining the trend would change going forward.
NOTABLE QUOTE
While commissioning the Rivers State University campus, Abara Etche, Wike said:
“Since 1999, which state has given more support to the PDP than Rivers State? I challenge any state in terms of support for the PDP. Since 1999, show me one federal (government) project in Rivers State. Is there any one? If you want our votes, tell me what you will give to Rivers State.
“Enough is enough of using Rivers State, thinking we are foolish people and we don’t know what to do with our money. Enough is enough of using Rivers people, thinking that they will bring the votes and when they bring it you will push them away.
“Tell Rivers people what you are going to do for them not me. There is nothing any of them can do for me. I am interested in my state. Nobody can buy me; nobody. I am not going to go and look for a position at the federal level. Have I not been a minister before? So what are you going to use to entice me as a person? Nothing; rather, it is for the interest of my state.”
COMMENTARY
Recall that Governor Wike has been in the news since May when he lost the PDP presidential primaries and subsequently lost out in the choice of Party running mate to Atiku Abubakar.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, last August held series of political meetings inside and outside the country in a bid to decide which of the presidential aspirant and party to support.
Governor Wike has affirmed that his negotiations is for Rivers people. However, the question could be asked – how can he be negotiating for Rivers people, yet the details of his negotiation is not made known to the people of Rivers State?
No Rivers person of note is involved in the so called negotiations. The last we checked, Wike’s team comprised of his political allies most of whom are governors of other state.
Whatever the case is, there is no doubt that the PDP chieftain has become a big power broker and a deciding factor for the 2023 presidential election. His relevance in the PDP and the prospects he holds are becoming glaring by the day.
