PDP discarding zoning, worst display of self-destruct — Wike

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s defiance to zoning ranks as the worst demonstration of self-destruct and anti-party conduct.

Wike expressed the concern on Wednesday at his private residence in Port Harcourt, where he hosted the three Rivers senators-elect, incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Banigo; Barry Mpigi and Chief Allwell Onyesoh.

Blaming the violation of the PDP zoning for the defeat of the party in the presidential polls, Wike reiterated that PDP’s Constitution in Section 7(3)(c) states that in pursuant to the principles of equity, justice, and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation of elective and appointive offices.

He emphasised that “we are proud to have produced the three senators. Out of 13 House of Reps, they have announced 10, and we have taken nine.

“We believe when the election is done in the other ones, we will also emerge victorious because Rivers has always been with PDP regarding issues of our local elections.

“When our party abandoned equity, fairness and justice, abandoned provisions of our constitution, which is the highest anti-party anybody can do, they also have to pay for it.

“Our own is unity of Nigeria, and that is what we stand for. Unity of Nigeria is far above party interest.”

Wike said All Progressives Congress (APC) governors deserve commendation as the emergence of the president-elect of southern extraction, Bola Tinubu, was made possible because of the premium APC governors attached to national unity.

“APC governors are my heroes. They came out openly to tell the world, tell Nigerians, ‘look, the unity of this country is paramount. We don’t want Nigeria divided’.

“I was shocked when all of them came out and said we have had it for eight years in the North, let it go South for eight years so we can have harmony, peace and unity,” he added.

To the Rivers PDP senators-elect, Wike said, “I want to appeal to you when you go to the Senate, talk about Nigeria, not party.

“Talk about how Nigeria will continue to be one. Support policies of government that will unite this country, and that is where we stand.”

Senator Barry Mpigi, on behalf of the senators-elect, told Wike, “You have fought a battle to prove to us that you love Rivers State.

“Your Excellency, our mission here is just to assure you and reassure you that we are going to Abuja, not for ourselves but for Rivers interests.”

(Vanguard)