WIKE CALLS OUT EBONYI STATE GOVERNOR AND OTHER PDP DEFECTORS WHILE SEEKING SUPPORT FROM PARTY DELEGATES

Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party not to allow any aspirant who will later defect with the party’s mandate to emerge as its presidential candidate.

He made this kmown while seeking support from PDP leaders and delegates in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital.

The Governor who is also a presidential aspirant urged delegates of the party to vote for him during the party’s convention because he would remain faithful to the party’s mandate by not defecting to another party.

A statement was also made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri.

The Governor referred to the defection of some governors, including that of Ebonyi State, David Umahi and lawmakers from the PDP to ruling All Progressives Congress when he said, “I have never left this party for one day. When PDP was in problem, I stood firm and I said PDP will not die. Don’t give (presidential) ticket to the person who will run from the party tomorrow. I am the only person Nigerians know that will not run from the party.”

Gov. Wike challenged the state governor of Ebonyi State saying, “My colleague, David Umahi, wherever you are, wherever you may be, hear me very well. PDP had sleepless night, PDP won election, and you took the mandate of our people and went to another party.

“If you know you are a man and you are very strong, and that any day they fix election you will win, I challenge you to resign as governor and contest election whether you will win again.”

Governor Wike reiterated that PDP cannot afford another defeat in the 2023 general election.

“What PDP wants now is who can win election. It is not about where you come from. What the party wants today is who can win election for PDP. Give me this ticket let me go and win APC for you.”

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi, replied to Wike’s claim by saying that his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, was envious of his numerous infrastructural achievements, in the state.

The governor said he would win every other presidential aspirant in a free and fair contest.

Umahi’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Francis Nwaze, in a telephone interview with newmen said:.

‘I’m sure that as Nyesom Wike was coming into Ebonyi State today, he was overwhelmed by the good road networks in the state. And as such, he should be truthful to himself and come and learn from Umahi.

“It’s one thing to construct roads, it’s another thing to know the quality of roads constructed. In Ebonyi State, we have good and quality roads and they are courtesy of Governor David Umahi. This is not to be compared with what obtains in other states, including Rivers.

“Nothing makes Wike mad other than Governor Umahi’s numerous achievements. Wike is just envious of Governor Umahi’s achievements. However, he should come and learn the art of prudence in the management of state resources, and in construction.