Anthony Iwuoma
Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, has said there is nothing to regret in contesting the presidential primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which Atiku Abubakar won.
However, he noted that he had no personal issues with the party’s flagbearer but insisted on his demand for the resignation of its chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, in the interest of regional balancing.
Speaking at his private residence in Port Harcourt with political associates and Rivers Elders Council led Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, who came to felicitate with him on his 55th birthday, the governor stated: “I don’t regret I ran for presidency. In the name of God, I am happy to make Rivers proud as far I am concerned.
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“If they had allowed it to be what it is supposed to be, I would have won the election. But it’s okay. It has happened.
“People said it’s because I lost election. It doesn’t matter. I didn’t lose election.
“This is my first time of trying to run for the presidency of Nigeria and we made impact. If it is easy, let them go ahead. Are they not the ones begging.
“I have no problem with the presidential candidate (Atiku). All I am saying is what is the interest of Rivers people? What is the interest of the South-South, and the South?”
Wike said the choice of Sim Fubara as Rivers PDP governorship candidate was a collective decision and denied imposing him on the party.
“When O. C. J. Okocha comes back, we will publish the agreement signed by all,” he said.
“We will win. I am not running for election, but I’m running an election. My name is not in the ballot, but I’m running an election.
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“You’ll hear what is going to happen. Everybody don’t panic. It is something God has given to us.”
‘We’ll wait for your directive’
Chief Alabraba, Chairman if Rivers Elders Council, said: “Since after the primaries and all the matters arising, a lot of people have been wondering where are we going, what are we doing?
“But, I assure you that the belief we have in you and your leadership, whenever you decide to say where we are going, that is where all of us will go. We are not in a hurry.
“We will deliver Fubara as our governor, deliver all Reps, Senate and all state Assembly candidates.
“But for the other one, we are waiting for whenever you decide. We will wait for you. Whatever you decide, that is where all of us will go.”
Alabraba commended Woke on his role with the G-5 governors, saying they would abide by his decision.
“Your Excellency, we thank God that you have the ability and capacity to carry along a number of colleagues today known as G-5.
“Those are the most popular governors in this country today. And we are not pressurising you.
“Whatever the group comes up with, whichever decision you take, be rest assured that your fellowship will key into it and support you to the last.”