Wike Hails Saraki, Tambuwal’s Defection

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike  has expressed excitement over defection of top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country.
Wike  who spoke to newsmen in Government House Port Harcourt last Wednesday  described the defection of the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal as victory for democracy.
The Governor said , ‘ This is a victory for democracy. There are lots of Nigerians who believe that the right thing  should be done . What the Sokoto State Governor  has done is the right thing.
He commended  Tambuwal  for his bold step and encouraged other Nigerians to be part of the movement to enable  the country regain its glory
He  lamented the intimidation and harassment by the APC led Federal Government, stressing that  members of PDP are emboldened instead of being scared in the party’s determination to salvage the nation.
“ Things have degenerated to the level that  all Nigerians must resist intimidation and work towards the good of all.
“There are so many Nigerians who are waiting, I encourage them to be a part of history . If you don’t come out to support what is happening for Nigeria to regain its glory, when the history is written your name will not be there.” Wike said.
Governor Wike urged Nigerians not to be swayed by claims that the APC leaders are not worried, saying that Tambuwal as former Speaker House of Representatives  led the foundation of the coalition  which prompted the victory of APC in 2015
He said  that the negative actions of the failed APC led Federal Government are threatening the root of democracy in the country.
“ Nobody obeys court judgments. Nobody obeys the rule of law. If you say anything, they come after you. That is no democracy . Democracy means allowing people to have different opinions “, he said.
He described Rivers as one of the States facing the worst form of harassment from APC led Federal Government.
Wike disclosed that some governors who cannot win elections based on their performances are hanging on because they believe that if Buhari runs, they will win.
“ Those who are left in APC  are afraid of intimidation  by EFCC. Some people are lilly- livered, so they cannot come out”. he said.
He declared that recent developments  in the country have showed that Former President Goodluck Jonathan is Negeria’s hero of democracy for a sitting President not to have used his office to do what  these people are doing today.
Regretting that APC  has abandoned her promises to the people , the Governor  said PDP represented the hope for Nigeria and good future for the country.
Condemning APC led Federal Government for using  security agencies to initiate alleged illegal impeachment process against Governor  Ortom of Benue State, after he defected.
“How can a government fight corruption outside the rule of law?  You cannot fight corruption outside the rule of law. Refusal to obey court judgment is corruption itself”, he said.
He said that in 2014 serving  PDP Governors and National Assembly members defected to the APC  they were not intimidated and wondered why APC should resort to intimidation this time around.
Wike , Tuesday in Government House , equally congratulated the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwarra State , Abdulfatah for defecting to PDP .

Chris Oluoh