Wike warns gubernatorial candidates against blackmail

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, warned blackmailers and those seeking to sow discord in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday that such behavior will not earn them the party’s ticket for the 2023 governorship election.
Wike insisted that he would only support someone with the vision and political clout to champion the cause of the state gradually as his successor in 2023.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of the official residence of Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani at the Old GRA in Port Harcourt.

He stated that he was more concerned about the state’s future progress after his tenure, adding, “I cannot support anyone who cannot move Rivers State forward.” I will stand by those who care about the state and have the courage to continue to support the party.”

Wike emphasized that no serious politician focused on winning elections in Rivers State could ignore the electoral strength of the Obio-Akpor Council, arguing that as governor from the council with the most electable voters, anyone aspiring to the governorship position would require him.

He reaffirmed the Speaker’s position, stating that anyone plotting to depose him would be fighting against the party and should be prepared to face the consequences.

He clarified that he never said that all national or state lawmakers were conspiring against him, and he urged newspaper columnists and other public commentators to demonstrate a good understanding of their expressions in their conversations.

“I never said all of the legislators were plotting against me, but I am aware of what they are doing. “There is a difference between all members of the National Assembly and some members, just as there is a difference between the state House of Assembly and some members,” he said.

Read also: Wike taunts Matawalle over his defection, saying, “I will never betray my people.”

Wike commented on Ibani’s new official residence, noting that the official quarters had been abandoned until he intervened, adding that the intervention was possible due to the cordial relationship between the state’s legislature and the executive.

He also denied reports that the state government was in debt to some commercial banks, emphasizing that his administration owed no bank and challenging anyone with contrary evidence to show it.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, who unveiled the official quarters, stated that the Wike administration had positively infused all arms of government, sectors, and the local government system.