Resisted Pressure to Leave PDP for APC, says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said he resisted many appeals from some quarters to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, stated he refused to yield to the pressure because he is a man of character.

The governor spoke Thursday when he led the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to inaugurate the primary Orabule Adiele Road, Rumuolumeni, formerly known as Aker-Base Road at Rumuolumeni community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Wike said it was unthinkable to depart PDP, which he explained as a celebration that”proceeds to maintain the promise of very good leadership for the country and remains the only hope for Nigerians who are also waiting to vote into electricity in 2023″.

Wike said he refused to be silent over the alleged wrongs and inabilities of this ruling APC due to the need to bolster the confidence of Nigerians in PDP.

He explained:”PDP is a celebration that Nigerians want. Regardless of all the intimidation, it will not work. We are men of personality. When we say something we endure by whatever we’ve said, not for pay attention.

“If I had been that kind of governor, I know how many times people have attempted to woo us, we said. We cannot be wooed. We are here. We began with PDP and will end up with PDP.

“We don’t have another political party to join because the destiny of the country, the expectation of Nigerians, solely depends on our party. That is why when we talk about our celebration, we are not speaking about any selfish interest. Nonetheless, it is to continue to provide Nigerians that hope that Nigeria is awaiting.

“So, when there’s any mistake, we shout. Everybody is hoping that in 2023 PDP should assume the realms of electricity in this nation. Rivers State is already procured for PDP.”

He explained: “The National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of Progressives Congress (APC) stated I am playing to the gallery, and that I’m economical with the facts. Nevertheless, after all, the Federal Government was battling insecurity, and that they gave us bail-out money.

“Bail-out money is not free money. We are paying back the money. But even when they gave us free cash, does this imply that if anything is going wrong, I shouldn’t talk?

“We agree that there’s an issue in the country. The governors agreed that they’re faced with safety challenges. Yes, you’re overwhelmed by safety challenges but whose responsibility is it to fix the security in this nation.

“The National Secretary of APC has been a lifetime governorship aspirant. He does not have any character; yesterday he was Tinubu, now he’s with the Minister of Transportation because he wants to be governor.

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“Such characters cannot speak to folks like us because we’ve got personality. A man without character does not have what it requires. I cannot jump from one place to another just because you want to be governor in all ways.

“Ask him, where did he vote at 2019. He hunted for PDP. Let him keep his mouth closed before I will inform APC what he did. People like that shouldn’t speak to us”

The governor also announced the Nkpor-Mgbuosimini road had been honored to Lubrick Construction firm and that work would commence in 2021.

In inaugurating the street, Ikpeazu described Wike as a new brand, an icon, and a symbol of everything good and a blessing to Nigeria.

He said using concrete pavements in road construction was the very best for the topography and encouraged the people to utilize the street with great care.

Rivers State Commissioner for Works Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the inadequate state of the street impeded motion and frustrated commerce but respite had come to residents and businesses that operated in the area.