Governor Akeredolu warns Governor Wike.
The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Friday, warned the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to steer clear of the October 10, Governorship election in the State, Page 36 learnt.
The Rivers Governor had earlier accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of making subtle moves to manipulate the Ondo State Governorship election.
Governor Wike, who appeared on a Channels Television ‘Sunrise Daily’ programme, earlier on Friday, alleged that the ruling party is desperate not to lose Ondo State to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, like it did in Edo State.
He also declared that the PDP Candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, would win the election convincingly.
His words: “While the people of Edo fought godfatherism, Ondo people would respond to several unfulfilled promises made to them by the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“The National Leadership of APC is not happy that they lost Edo to PDP, and would do everything possible not to lose Ondo State.
“Having lost Edo, APC will do everything possible not to lose Ondo, because they know that will mean the end of the party.
“I fear that INEC and the Security Agencies may succumb to pressure. But I pray they resist the temptations and pressure, and continue to defend democracy.”
However, in a statement issued by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogor, Governor Akeredolu said that there would not be any room for Governor Wike to influence the Ondo State Governorship election.
He said: “In all aspects, Governor Wike deserves respect not just as Governor, but as a critical Stakeholder in the democratic journey. He has his inalienable rights as a citizen to express his mind, and make comments about whatever he feels strongly about.
“However, what amuses us is his imperious attitude and recourse to spurious allegations, just because of an election. He should know that the people of the Ondo State who have a history of rejecting external influence and domination, will resist his attempt to play the role of a godfather in Ondo State. Ondo is not Rivers.
“The man ought to know that utterances of Public Office holders must be measured, and their delivery ought to be in line with the mood of the people. The people of the State will resist Wike here, even if he had roared elsewhere successfully. For emphasis, his imperialistic approach is most unfortunate and very unbecoming.”
