the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will support its
candidate in the Edo State governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu
despite the weighty allegations against him.
Speaking as Guest on a Live Television Programme, Governor Wike said it
is difficult to contemplate that the leadership of APC is still standing
with Osagie Ize-Iyamu to canvass votes for him.
He said anybody with conscience and truly loves democracy cannot be
proud to support a man who is facing corruption charges of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).
“President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s came to fight corruption.
But the APC candidate is facing corruption charges. Except they are
saying he was charged before because he was of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) then.
“I don’t think that anybody with conscience, integrity, and love for
democracy in Nigeria can openly support Ize-Iyamu when the allegations
against him have not been refuted. If AdamsOshomhole is supporting him
now, then he must apologise to Edo people, tell them that he told a
lie about him four years ago.
“Godfatherism is playing out again. It hampers performance in
government and Edo people must rise to stop it, and then other Nigerians
will begin to emulate such courage”, he stated.
Speaking on the threat of violence during the Edo State election,
Governor Wike wondered why the Nigerian Police have not invited the APC
candidate over the viral video showing his meeting with questionable
characters described as “lions and tigers of Edo state”.
Governor Wike who is the chairman, PDP National Campaign Council, noted
that in that viral video, the APC candidate reiterated visiting violence
on Edo electorate.
“Violence is both when you issue threats and give directives. In that
video, he told the boys to move from unit to unit, from ward to ward.
This is a violation of the provisions and guidelines of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Governor Godwin Obaseki has always preached peace and has urged his
supporters not to retaliate. But when people come to snatch ballot boxes
in order to stop you from exercising your fundamental right, certainly,
you will protect your votes.
“Taking away the mandate of the people is an unforgivable sin. It
denies the people good governance that they seek and should enjoy.
Governor Wike also spoke about the failure of the Federal Government to
tackle the rising insecurity in the country.
He said suggestions offered by the opposition are rejected because in
Nigeria everything is politicised.
The Governor said Nigerians are seeing that APC has failed the country
and it is up to them to vote them out at the appropriate time.
He noted that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been
immersed in corruption and has turned out to produce Chief Executives
and Directors with governorship ambitions.
Governor Wike said the revision of the 2020 budget of Rivers State,
would not slow down the pace of development.