The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has encouraged Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, to lobby the federal government to prevent the 2023 general election from being cut short.
Wike stated that the APC-led Federal Government should be concerned about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) claimed disregard for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the currency policy, particularly as the general election in 2023 approaches.
APC presidential candidate Tinubu, senator Kashim Shettima, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu paid the Government House in Port Harcourt a courtesy call yesterday, according to the governor of Rivers State.
The governors of Kebbi, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), David Umahi (Ebonyi), the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the minister of state for petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Tony Okocha, and others were on Tinubu’s entourage.
Wike expressed doubt about the APC Federal Government’s interest in holding the 2023 general election, particularly in light of the ongoing naira currency problem, but he thanked God that there was no violence at the APC presidential rally in the state.
“Do you folks genuinely want this election to happen or not, or do you have a plan to void it? I’m not sure. Take a look at what is going on in Oyo, Edo, and Delta right now. View the situation.
The governor of Rivers State argued that the hasty redesign of the naira and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s subsequent tactless implementation of the naira sway policy smelled purely political. He maintained that the ruling APC must make sure that the general election happens, regardless of the politics.
“I think your party ought to make sure that this election is legitimate. You are in charge; make sure that this election is valid. Nobody can resolve the corruption problem in two to three months. It cannot be done. This is only done for political reasons.
Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, came under fire from Wike for his obvious contempt for the Nigerian Supreme Court.
How are you in office at this time, disregarding the Supreme Court as the head of a Central Bank? Where in a democracy has it occurred? The CBN Governor is debating whether to follow the Supreme Court’s directive. Where did it occur?
“I’m not referring to a decision by the Federal High Court or the Court of Appeals; I’m referring to the Supreme Court. Everyone is lowering their hands and pleading with the Central Bank to comply with the Supreme Court’s order, which reads: “Do not do this.” Which nation has it ever occurred? What are you telling the street’s impoverished when the Supreme Court’s order is disregarded?
Wike, who identified himself as an unrepentant PDP member, said it was abhorrent for two PDP states, Bayelsa and Edo, to join the federal government as defendants in the lawsuit several states launched against the naira sway policy before the Supreme Court.
“I have never before witnessed a government enlisting the opposition to support its viewpoint. a measure that opposes people. Now that you are defending something that is utterly incorrect, you are the ones buying PDP. This is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is very regrettable.
Despite the difficulties he had encountered within the ruling party, the governor praised the APC presidential candidate for his steadfastness and allegiance to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wike recalled that between 2017 and 2018, he was sent to convince the APC presidential candidate to join the PDP following a meeting in Paris with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and others.
“I arrived at your Bourdillon home. I came and said, “Look at the way the country is moving, sir,” to you. We cannot in any way permit the incumbent President to serve another term in 2019. Now that you’ve inquired, what other options are there, good? I remarked, “Sir, we have Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola.” You chuckled. You stated, “Look, I’m sticking with Buhari.” Since I am not familiar with them, if these are your choices, I will stick with Buhari.
Wike praised the APC state governors for their conviction that after president Buhari leaves office, power must go back to the south.
“I appreciate APC governors’ steadfast stance that the country’s unity comes before all else. Does it make sense to run for president in the absence of peace? When the nation is united and you enjoy being president, you must be the president.
The governor praised the APC presidential contender for his boldness and moral integrity. He emphasized that the nation urgently needs these qualities as part of her push for democratization.
“Good luck to you,” I said. I agree with the G-5’s stance on the principles of fairness, equity, and justice. G-5 does not represent anyone.
Wike encouraged the APC presidential candidate and the party’s national leadership not to support any of the state-level candidates for the party since none of them will take home even a single seat in the general election.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, had earlier told governor Wike that the courtesy call was required due to his respect and appreciation for his support of a power rotation to the south.
The APC presidential candidate stated that he entered the contest on the platform that governor Wike, who has persistently argued for the return of power to the south, should serve as president.
