The Governor of River State, Nyesom Wike, has stated that those within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who don’t want the success of the G5 will fail.
Governor Wike said this during the party’s campaign rally at Okrika Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State.
The G5 also known as the ‘Integrity Group’ is a coalition of disgruntled governors who opposed the party’s choice of leadership under the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, as well as the non-inclusivity of the southern members. They include Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).
While addressing the party faithful on the ground on Friday, Wike claimed the G5 is an integral part of the party’s success which can not be easily displaced.
“I’m a proud man and I take my shoulder very high. It is not to abuse me, come home, and win the election. I have told you, people, even if you put a knife in my neck, I will not change until the right thing is done.
“All the show of pride that G5 is not needed. There is a cabal [sic] in the presidency who has their hopes raised that they will win the elections; have they not been exposed?
“Those saying they don’t want G5 have been exposed, and whatever they do, they need us,” he said.
Wike also proclaimed that the oil-rich state was important in the polity to claim victory at the polls
“Whether you like it or not you must win Rivers state,” he affirmed. “If you claim you don’t need Rivers State, you will fail and when they claim to succeed without us, they will fail. All we need is the people’s assurance.”
Wike, who is the G5’s strongest proponent, has reiterated he has no qualms with the party’s presidential flagbearer Atiku Abubakar. He maintained that his allegiance lies with the southern province’s representation
“I have no problem with the presidential candidate,” Wike stated. “All I am saying is: What is the interest of Rivers people? What is the interest of the South-South, and the South?”