…says Wike not state’s political king
A member of the Rivers Elders Forum, Asukuwe Ikoawaji, has justified the visit of Governor Fubara to the governor of Bayelsa state, emphasizing the need for unity among the governors, especially in the south-south.
Ikoawaji also said that Wike is not the political king of Rivers State, adding that no single person can claim authority in the state.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Ikoawaji said when the time comes, the people of Rivers will decide who their leader is.
“The truth is very clear. You can only have one governor at a time. People should understand that there is no man in charge of anything. It is only God that is in charge. You can’t be talking about a life you don’t know or things you don’t know how it came about. Both Wike and the present governor, are not the first to govern Rivers State and there definitely will not be the last. Wike is not the political king of Rivers State.
“Life is turn by turn. If you think today is your turn, tomorrow is going to be another person’s turn. People talked more than some people are talking today but now, where are they? Everybody has a right to say what they want to say but when the time comes, the Rivers people will decide. When you are talking about the issue of Rivers state, you must have an open mind. No single person among the about six million people in Rivers state will come and say he is in charge. This is democracy.”
Ikoawaji further expressed, “The visit of Governor Fubara to the governor of Bayelsa is a welcome idea and I salute his courage. Rivers State shares boundaries with Bayelsa. I am also saying he should go beyond just having conversations with the Bayelsa governor. He should have conversations with Cross River, Delta, Edo, etc. It is only when you are on good terms with your colleagues that you can share issues.
“If you watch, for some time, you cannot say the south-south governors have met. Few days ago, there was an issue in Plateau State and the north-central governors met because you don’t know where it will hit next. By having a bilateral relationship with your colleague, two heads are better than one.”
Recall that the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, visited Chief Victor Giadom, his old political ally and the South-South Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday.
During the visit, the minister, who was referring to the political issues with Governor Sim Fubara said, “This is not time for politics. When the time comes, we will know who is who”.
“If you like abuse me as you want (sic). If you like employ everybody on social media. I have never bothered myself one day to know who is abusing me. Politics will come.
“We didn’t contest the election based on social media. We spoke to the people, and they listened and believed in us.”
However, the minister’s visit heightened the rumour that he may soon join the ruling APC.
This is coming days after the former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Senator Magnus Abe, rejoined the APC.
Wike, who was hosted by Giadom at Bera community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers state on Saturday, said he was happy to be back with his old-time friend, noting that his visit was a private one and not necessarily politically motivated
Wike’s visit, which took political observers by surprise, attracted serving senators and some members of the House of Representatives from Rivers.
Leaders of both APC and the PDP, two former chairmen of Rivers PDP, Prince Felix Obuah and Ambassador Desmond Akawor, were with him.
South-South PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih; PDP National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, youths and women among many others, were also present.
Speaking, Wike said: “I didn’t come here for politics. I came here to visit my friend, Giadom.
“Let nobody misinterpret why I came here. That is why I came with PDP and APC leaders. It is a private visit to my friend.
“I have never been in doubt about your capacity to relate with your people. Politics is about impact. If you want to be a successful politician you must impact your people so that when you call them they will answer you.”
Referring to the crisis in Rivers state, Wike said: “Forget about these hungry noisemakers on the road.
“When the time comes, we will know who is in charge and who is not in charge. There is a time for everything. This is not time for politics.”
Speaking on his realignment with Giadom, the minister explained: “Party will come and go and friendship will remain. We have made our mistakes, we are all humans but friendship remains.
“When I was appointed a minister, Victor Giadom led a team to congratulate me. It does not matter where you belong. What is important is the interest of Rivers.
“If you want to be a successful politician, greedy ones will not like you. Nobody has done well in politics without enemies. Those who hate you are in the minority. Those who love you are in the majority.
“When I was governor, Nigeria heard about Rivers State. That is what I have always preached.
“So, nobody should be afraid. I have no regrets when I stood by with my colleagues and friends that the presidency must go to the south.
“There was nothing I was not offered. But I said no. That is why I will continue to support the government of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu. As I am going back home, I am going with the satisfaction that my friend is back.
“This visit today will cause a lot of trouble. Some people will start visits now. Follow who knows road (sic). Continue to support Victor and all your leaders who mean well for all of you.
“For the first time in history, Ogoni man is the chairman of works. I am happy that Ledum Mitee is a member of the NNPCL. Let nobody do community problems. When you do that development will not come.”
Speaking earlier, Chief Victor Giadom described Wike’s visit as a homecoming of a brother, a friend and a leader.
