Major stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have made a strong plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for ministerial appointments.
The stakeholders, organized under the Amalgamated Bola Tinubu Campaign Council Rivers State, led by Chief Tony Okocha, emphasized the significant role played by Wike in securing Tinubu’s victory in the state during the February 25 presidential election.
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Addressing the press during a briefing in Abuja, Okocha dismissed the recent political maneuvering of Magnus Abe, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as a cheap political stunt. He urged the public to disregard Abe’s sudden attempts to position himself prominently in Tinubu’s political circle, especially after leaving the APC when his support was most needed.
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Okocha attributed the APC’s victory in the state to the efforts of Governor Nyesom Wike, who played a crucial role in keeping the party united when other major stakeholders turned their backs. He explained that even in challenging circumstances, Wike’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining cohesion within the party.
Drawing attention to the electoral results, Okocha highlighted the political impact of Wike’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State. He noted that in the state House of Assembly, PDP secured victories in all 32 seats, while also winning 12 out of the 13 House of Representatives seats and all three senatorial seats. However, PDP did not win the presidential election in the state.
Okocha further emphasized the pivotal role played by the G-5 governors, who insisted on addressing certain issues and power shifts before fully supporting the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar. He stressed that Wike, as the spin doctor, played a critical role in ensuring the success of Tinubu’s campaign.
Referring to the extensive network of polling units and agents across Rivers State, Okocha questioned who financed the thousands of agents associated with the APC during the elections. He argued that the activities of the G-5 governors were instrumental in securing Tinubu’s success, as evidenced by the victory in 12 states compared to the PDP’s 10 states.
Okocha expressed his firm belief that Wike’s contributions to Tinubu’s victory in 2023 should not be overlooked. He acknowledged that, as the last man standing when others had left, he could have claimed all credit for himself but recognized the significant role played by Wike. Okocha emphasized that no politician in Rivers State could rival Wike’s influence and that he should be duly rewarded for his efforts.
While dismissing Magnus Abe’s recent media stunts as opportunistic, Okocha made it clear that seeking political appointments should not be the primary motivation. He urged others to prioritize the value that Wike brings to the table and invited them to embrace his involvement rather than using it as a means for personal gain.
Okocha criticized those who now sought to eulogize Tinubu after abandoning him for other parties, only to return when he emerged victorious. He asserted that such actions lacked common sense and reason, and should not be driven solely by the desire for political appointments.
