Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-5 governors will only be disposed to reconciliation based on equity, fairness, and justice.
He made the assertion at the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover, the 8th so far constructed and completed by his administration. The project inauguration was performed by a former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday.
Wike pointed to how, prior to the crisis rocking the PDP, some members of the party were singing praises of him and colleagues that make up the G-5 governors. But he noted that the same people have turned around to call them names because they are clamoring for equity, fairness and justice.
“I’m sure, those of them in my party, before, cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now, because I said let the right thing be done, let agreement by agreement. Because I have said that, I have now become an enemy. These were people who were praising my morning, night, or any day.
“But because we said, look, we had an agreement, do this, do that, and some people believe that they will not and we said it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G-5 Governors will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation, but reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”
According to the governor, politics is about interest and Rivers people must be sure of what they stand to benefit from any support they will have to give ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what is the interest of Rivers State. You must tell me what is the interest of my community. I will not join anybody who does not want my state to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my state,” he said.
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Wike also drew attention to the place of integrity in leadership across strata, and why leaders must be bonded by what they say and do.
“When once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politicians will stand up and make a statement.
“And then, people are watching you to fulfill that statement, promise you have made and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politicians behave. I don’t agree with that.
“Individuals can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason why. And that is what they call integrity.”
He called on leaders across strata and divides to promote unity among Nigerians. According to him, the expected unity should be devoid of ethnicity, religion and party considerations but based on the fact that one is a Nigerian.
“We need a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of. And so, for us, all we are looking for is how Nigeria will progress. How people will have food on their table. It is not about ethnicity, it is not about religion. It is not about the party but how Nigeria will progress. That is where we stand.”
the governor decried situations most people are made to experience, which often makes them question their nationality as Nigerians. He said, it is unfair for some Nigerians to lord it over others on an unequal stance, a feeling that negates unity and progress.
He also seized the opportunity to offer a public apology to Comrade Oshiomhole over some political comments made against him and the governorship candidate that he supported in the last Edo State gubernatorial election.
“You know I came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win the election. I was virtually in charge, everyday coming out on television to take you on, and I said you will not win, and you didn’t win.
“Well that assignment has been done, we now know who is who. I want to tell my people, I sincerely apologize to you and you know, each time you (we) learn.”
Commenting on the project, Wike noted how the people had cried over the inconveniences they had suffered while the construction work lasted. But with the Rumuepirikom flyover now completed and inaugurated, governor Wike observed that people are happier that their sacrifice was worth it.
Wike instructed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to return to the Rumuepirikom community and make sure all roads are reconstructed in the area.
Performing the inauguration, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole noted with pleasure the belief by governor Wike that in a democracy, though political parties are needed to win elections, promises made to the people must be kept and projects delivered as proof of governance.
