Wike speaks on strikes to self-discipline Benue governor, others

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has countered a directive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which requested Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to look earlier than the Nationwide Disciplinary Committee of the get together over alleged anti-party actions.

The PDP had on Thursday additionally introduced the suspension of a former Senate President Pius Anyim and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, and two different members of the get together.

Mr Wike on Thursday stated Governor Ortom wouldn’t seem earlier than the disciplinary committee. He described the suspension of Mr Fayose and others as a nullity, and stated if there may be anybody who must be suspended it’s the Nationwide Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu.

“I need to state clearly and let members of the get together and Nigerians hear it clearly, the Nationwide Working Committee made up of Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who they are saying is the chairman of the get together; Sam Anyanwu, the nationwide secretary and different members of NWC, can’t droop Ayo Fayose, to not speak about referring governor Ortom to nationwide disciplinary committee,” an announcement from the media aide to Mr Wike, Kelvin Ebiri, quoted the Rivers governor as saying within the Authorities Home, Port Harcourt.

“Referring a governor to your so-called nationwide disciplinary committee is the peak of all insult, and we is not going to take it. Subsequently, be prepared for no matter you see so far as this our get together is anxious,” Mr Wike added.

Background

Messrs Wike and Ortom are members of the G-5, a gaggle of 5 PDP governors who rebelled towards the get together and withdrew their political help for the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar on the grounds that the get together must have regarded in the direction of the south for the following Nigerian chief since President Muhammadu Buhari is from the north.

The G5 additionally pushed, unsuccessfully although, for Mr Ayu’s resignation to pave the way in which for a southerner to steer the PDP to be able to create a “regional steadiness”.

Each Mr Ayu and Atiku are from the north.

In the course of the 2023 election, Mr Wike supported Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who’s now the president-elect. One other of the G-5 members, Governor Seyi Makinde, who has simply been re-elected for a second time period, supported Mr Tinubu.

Governor Ortom supported Peter Obi, the Labour Celebration presidential candidate, whom he stated was the perfect particular person to steer Nigeria at this second of financial and safety crises.

Mr Obi misplaced the presidential election, whereas Governor Ortom misplaced in a senatorial election.

“Governor Ortom, who has stood agency for the unity of this nation, Governor Ortom who has come out brazenly to say that Nigeria have to be one isn’t the sort you’ll say you’ll consult with that your kangaroo committee.”

‘It’s Ayu who must be suspended’

“If there may be any particular person deserving suspension it must be you (Ayu), who performed anti-party by refusing to obey the structure of the get together on zoning of political workplaces as is required. So, whoever tells you may droop individuals, please inform the person who he isn’t severe,” the Rivers governor stated on Thursday.

“In case you are speaking of anti-party it’s you who couldn’t even ship your unit, ship your ward that’s concerned. Due to the fraudulent actions you’re concerned in, individuals have misplaced hope in you. That’s the reason you can’t win your unit, win your ward,” Mr Wike stated.

The governor, in keeping with the assertion, cautioned Mr Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension.

Mr Ayu, he stated, has by his latest motion opened up a brand new chapter of political warfare within the get together.

“You can not cage any of us. Ortom is not going to seem earlier than any of your so-called disciplinary committee. Ayodele Fayose will even by no means seem earlier than any disciplinary committee.”