Gov Wike Knocks Nigeria Governors’ Forum Over Obaseki’s Travails
- Says it’s a ‘beggars Forum’
- Hammers APC for unfair treatment
BY EDMOND ODOK – Support and sympathy have continued to come from unexpected quarters for embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki following his disqualification from contesting the gubernatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State come Monday, June 22, 2020.
Swelling the ranks of sympathizers is the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, who is not only angry at the development but has also turned his frustration towards the once powerful Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)
Clearly piqued by the treatment meted to Governor Obaseki by the APC, the Rivers State Chief Executive described the NGF as a ‘Beggars Forum’ that cannot protect nor defend the interest of its members.
The NGF is currently headed by Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, with Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State as the Vice Chairman. Fayemi took over from former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazeez Yari
Mr Wike, who is a member of the Forum, said; “Before 2015, the Governors Forum used to be very powerful as symbols of their respective states but APC killed it because they were protecting the interest of the ruling party.”
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike said; “During one of the rerun elections in this state, my security aides were withdrawn thus exposing me to danger, the Forum did not say anything because the chairman was a member of APC.
“I told them then that what they were doing was wrong. Now they have become a beggars Forum even when there are constitutional infractions.
“You can see that APC governors say that they are progressive. You can see how progressive they are when they keep quiet when a fellow sitting governor is disqualified from contesting elections.”
A statement by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Paulinus Nsirim, capturing the Governor’s briefing further said; “Adams Oshiomhole campaigned for Governor Obaseki four years ago. The same man has turned around to say that Obaseki has a defective certificate.
“Has Oshiomhole apologised to Nigerians that he supported someone with a defective certificate? Who is saying that a sitting governor has a defective certificate? Is it a man that does not have a certificate?”
Mr Wike, who urged the APC national chairman to practise what he preaches, accused the ruling party of seeking to perpetuate impunity in Edo state, adding; “They think because they have the army, police and INEC, they can do anything and get away with it.
“They tried it in Rivers State but God gave us the will to say no. I hope Edo people will also say no to their impunity.”
Wike expressed his readiness to welcome the Edo governor into Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but said that cannot guarantee him an automatic ticket because the decision is left for the people of Edo State.
The Rivers governor is however cautious that recent developments within the APC may impugn on the Edo governor’s integrity going forward.
According to him; “Edo PDP have a role to play. There is nothing like endorsement. But I must tell you that I am not happy the way he was disqualified by the APC because it will affect his integrity.”
Following his disqualification by the APC Screening Committee on Friday, June 12, 2020 to climax the protracted political battle between him and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, speculations have been rife that the Embattled Edo governor may defect from APC to seek solace in the opposition PDP.
This position is further fuelled by his visits to Governor Wike in Port Harcourt and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom in Uyo, the State capital.
Both governors are members of the PDP Governors’ Forum currently chaired by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State. He took over in January 2020 from Seriake Dickson after the former Bayelsa State governor left office.
