‘It’s embarrassing’ — APC governors face criticism over visit to Wike

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers says it is embarrassing that some of the party’s governors are visiting Nyesom Wike, governor of the state.

A number of APC governors in the south-west recently visited Wike who was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday in Port Harcourt, Sydney Nyeche, chairman of the party in Obio/Akpor LGA, said the visit to Wike “rubbishes” their efforts in trying to reclaim Rivers.

“Visiting Wike is an embarrassment to our efforts in trying to reclaim the state,” Nyeche said.

“We find it disrespectful that while we are toiling for the party in the state, some group of governors from the west (south-west) will come to the state, go to Rumueprikom and negotiate with Nyesom Wike.

“The attention of the national chairman is drawn to this because we will not tolerate this anymore. We have had enough.

“We urge the national working committee (NWC) of the party to warn these governors from the west to desist from coming to the state to negotiate with the governor.

“This level of embarrassment we have suffered should stop. I cannot be threatened every day because of my political leanings and somebody will come from the west to rubbish our efforts.

“If they cannot come to the state to show solidarity with us, they should stop coming to the state.”

Wike has been entertaining visits from politicians across various political parties amidst the crisis in the PDP.

The dispute in the PDP began after the national convention of the party, as Wike was defeated by Atiku Abubakar in the race to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

Subsequently, calls emanated from Wike’s camp for Iyorchia Ayu to step down as national chairman of the party.

The clamour by Wike and his allies is said to be on the grounds that the PDP presidential candidate and national chairman cannot be from the same region.

Ayu has since refused to resign while Atiku has said no one can compel the national chairman to vacate his position.