…….As previous remarks by Edo Governor reverencing Wike resurfaces
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has challenged his erthswhile godfather, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers to public display of ridicule over defection comments made by his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Wike had at a commissioning of projects in Port Harcourt lambasted Shaibu for having the effontry to talk about defection after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )rescued Edo Governor and his Deputy, from the show of humiliation meted out to them by the Oshiomole- led All Progressives Congress APC.
Further worried by the comments of Shaibu, Wike said he would ensure that Shaibu was adequately punished saying that he has written to the leadership at the highest level to discipline the erring Deputy Governor.
But Obaseki reacted to Gov Wike’s comments against his Deputy denying that his Deputy at no point threatened the party, rather, he noted that it was Governor Wike who has shown disrespect and disregard to party members.
In a statement on Monday, the Edo Governor said Governor Wike’s recent personal attacks against his Deputy is to say the least, most unfortunate and totally uncalled for.
He added” If Wike was one who wants to show respect and courtesy to his colleague- governors he would have ordinarily reached out to me to express his concerns about the views made by my deputy governor,rather than embarking on this unwarranted public onslaught.
” My Deputy governor was a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS) and his comment is representative of the essence of the nation’s youth population,who are inclined to openly speak up and question the status quo. If Governor Wike cannot understand and adequately respond to the style and character of the Nigerian Youth, how can he aspire to lead them?
” His Excellency, Governor Wike should have taken a cue from the manner in which the National Chairman of our party Sen. Dr . Iyiorcha Ayu responded to my Deputy’s remarks,as a conscientious leader who is able to show empathy and consideration
” The concerns expressed by my Deputy governor bordered on pertinent issues affecting the party in Edo State which since the September 19 th 2020 elections has been able to register over 500,000 new members, and to date,these new members have not been properly integrated into our party after two years. Also, the leaders, executives and members who came with me into the party have still not been accepted or harmonised into the party
The Edo Governor equally traced the genesis of the problem of the state to the emergence of Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman, of the PDP, South South and the cause of the political impasse.in the state.
While he acknowledged the contributions of Governor Wike to the party,he said that no one is against his desire to run for president, however, his ambition should not be embarked on in such a way that it would cause disruption at different levels,such as the the PDP Governors Forum as well as different chapters of the party across the country.
It will be recalled that Governor Obaseki shortly after his election in 2020 attributed his victory to Wike God using him.
Obaseki who had paid a visit to the Rivers Governor to thank him for aiding his sail to victory said
” After I was pushed out of my former Party, this house was the first place I sought solace. You took me as a brother, out of the storm, changed my clothes and gave me food to eat”
” It was in this house the Campaign Council met to work out the key strategies that led to victory.
” You mobilised people across the country. You moved to Benin,even went through the humiliation and attacks. You supposed us we won.
” It will be a sin against God if we do not come to thank you. Even if the victory we are celebrating is from God,He has used people like you to make it happen” Gov. Obaseki added.
