During the 114th quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, Governor Nyesom Wike reiterated that he will remain a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and will not join the All Progressives Congress, despite the latter’s position on zoning the presidency to the south.
He dismissed speculations that he would defect to the APC as mere speculation. Governor Wike emphasized that he would only vote for the candidate who can ensure the unity of Nigeria in the upcoming presidential election.
Regarding the crisis in the PDP, the governor maintained that Rivers State has supported the party since the days of former Governor Peter Odili and that it was unfair to deny people from other regions the chance to lead the country.
Governor Wike expressed his belief in equity, justice, and fairness, and he called for the traditional rulers to support the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to continue the developmental progress achieved under his administration since 2015.
Governor Wike also explained that his advocacy for inclusivity in the PDP stemmed from his commitment to national unity. He asserted that Rivers State is a strategic state that cannot be relegated to playing a secondary role in the country.
The governor encouraged the traditional rulers to avoid involving themselves in politics, but he urged them to support the PDP governorship candidate to ensure continuity in the state’s development.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty King Dandeson Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo, thanked the governor for his respect for the council since he took office. Governor Wike also assured that his transition from office will be smooth and without any crisis.