The Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed the belief that the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, should be rewarded for his contributions in securing the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Chief Tony Okocha, a chieftain of the APC and former Chief of Staff at the Rivers State Government House, made this statement during a news briefing in Port Harcourt. He also mentioned that the party is prepared to welcome Wike if he decides to defect, underscoring the significant role played by Wike in the emergence of Tinubu as the incumbent President of Nigeria.
As the Coordinator of the BAT-Vanguard, an acronym for the disbanded Bola Ahmed Tinubu Vanguard in the South-South region, Okocha asserted that Wike has the freedom to join any political party. He further stated that certain individuals who had previously abandoned Tinubu during crucial times and went abroad are now seeking entitlements based on their personal relationships. However, within the Tinubu leadership in Rivers State, Okocha expressed complete support and recognition of Nyesom Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, as their leader.
Okocha emphasized the principle that he who pays the piper dictates the tune, and he acknowledged Wike's instrumental role in ensuring the success of Tinubu, even in challenging circumstances such as funding constraints during a national rally. He urged Wike not to delay in joining the APC in order to fully benefit from his efforts in facilitating Tinubu's presidency. The expectation of the Tinubu leadership in Rivers State is that Wike should receive their share of the benefits and resources allocated to them, as they trust that he knows who contributed to Tinubu's cause and will distribute the rewards accordingly.
Responding to an aide of the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who claimed that Wike's health issues were due to excessive alcohol consumption and not poisoning, Okocha viewed this statement as a display of disrespect from the PDP leadership. He expressed his belief that the PDP fails to recognize the influence and pedigree embodied by Wike. In light of this, he called upon Wike to join the APC and lead them in the state, referring to Macedonia as a metaphorical representation of their desired destination.
