The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has on Thursday, for what sounded like the last time, called on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Leadership to remove the incumbent PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, a Northerner, and appoint a Southerner as the National Chairman of the main opposition party, for equity, justice and fairness, learnt.
He stated however, that he has accepted the 2023 Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates of the party, adding that, he will not give up on the call for the removal of the incumbent National Chairman for a Southerner to emerge, to give the much needed balance for all members of the party from the different regions to feel included, respected and regarded.
The Governor spoke while hosting the Cross River State Candidates for the 2023 Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections, as well as the Local Government PDP Chairmen in the State, at his private residence, in Rumueprikom.
A statement by Wike’s Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, quoted him as saying: “We have finished Presidential primaries, we have a Presidential Candidate. Is Wike saying remove Presidential Candidate? Is Wike saying remove Vice and Presidential Candidate? So, what are you begging me for? All I am saying and I will continue to say, is that you have taken President, give us (National) Chairman.
“Nobody wants to speak the truth. If I am saying remove the Presidential Candidate, if I am saying remove the Vice Presidential Candidate, then you will say why is he doing this.
“I have accepted the Presidential Candidate, I have accepted the Vice Presidential Candidate, what is the problem again. You, fulfil your part. Let the South have something, that is all I am preaching. You cannot have a Presidential Candidate, National Chairman, Director-General of the campaign.
“He (National Chairman) said if the Presidential Candidate comes from the North, he will resign, which means he has had this in mind. Now, the thing has come to reality, now resign, no. And people are saying go and talk to Wike.”
