Rivers guber candidates deny stepping down for Wike

The Coalition of Governorship Candidates and Party Chairmen (CGCPC) in Rivers state has dismissed reports indicating that the group had pitched its tent with Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state.

The group made its position known in a statement signed by its chairman and governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), Warigbani Zebulun and the CGPC secretary and governorship candidate, Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP).

Wike is seeking reelection under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The statement also advised Wike to quit making disparaging comments about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other attempts to compromise the electoral umpire.

The statement:  “We have studied the political terrain and recent events in Rivers State and have frowned at them. In reaction to these, we the COALITION OF GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES AND PARTY CHAIRMEN in Rivers State have taken the following decisions:

“That we wholeheartedly disassociate ourselves from the concocted , misguided and shameful endorsement of Barr. Nyesom Wike as sole Governorship candidate by a purported coalition of 58 political parties. Such endorsement is watery and belated.

“We call on Gov. Nyesom Wike and the PDP to be very careful in the systematic blackmail they are launching on the Electoral Umpire – INEC . it is very worrisome that the PDP will be casting aspersions on the integrity of INEC. It is on Record that the PDP has made several attempts to compromise INEC . These acts can best be described as the “The voice of Jacob – the hands of Esau.

“We are using this opportunity to call on INEC to maintain its neutrality in the forth coming Governorship and State Assembly Elections in Rivers State.”

The statement also queried Wike’s relationship with those on the Army’s wanted list and advised him to desist from attacking the Nigerian army and the GOC 6 division.

“Rivers money is used by the Governor in exchange of expensive rings and bride price to cement and extend his tenure as Governor of Rivers state which comes to an end on 29th May 2019 through the back door,” the statement read.

“We call on the Federal Government and the EFCC To with immediate effect institute a panel with the aim of uncovering and recovering all looted funds . Details and records will be made available in the process

“We commend the Nigerian Army and the GOC 6 Division , Major General Jamil Sarham for coming to the rescue of defenceless Rivers citizens especially those in Abonnema who were held hostage by Hoodlums and thugs loyal to PDP. The question Wike and the PDP should answer is – What is their relationship with the Characters that are on the wanted list of the Nigerian Army.

“We have also observed with great pains the existing feud between the Rivers State govt and the Federal Government . This senseless confrontation orchestrated by Governor Wike has lasted for nearly four years.

“In this case, our beloved State and her people suffers. Consequently we call on Rivers people to support and vote their preferred Governorship Candidate who can work in harmony with the Federal Govt to bring the desired dividends that will make our beloved State a Safe haven as “The treasure base of the Nation.”