THISDAY

Ikuru Flays Wike, Says Promise Breaker Wants Deal with Fubara Kept

- Chuks Okocha

A former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Tele Ikuru, has declared that the desire of former Governor Nyesom Wike to perpetuall­y dominate and control everything in the state formed the basis of his insistence that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must fulfil an agreement that is not in the interest of the people of the state.

He said that it was time for Wike, a “failed promise keeper” to let go of the past and allow Fubara the breathing space needed to move Rivers state forward.

Ikuru in a statement made available to THISDAY specifical­ly said that it was surprising that the same Wike never kept nor honoured any political agreement he had with top politician­s in Rivers State, including him (Ikuru).

He expressed wonder that Wike would now be holding on to an agreement that cannot be implemente­d by Fubara owing to the fact that it was a selfish deal.

He therefore tasked Wike to allow Fubara focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspiration­s of the people.

“He should spare Fubara these unwarrante­d and ill-conceived political manoeuvrin­gs founded on personal agendas and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.

“In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernator­ial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.

“Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significan­t amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all 23 Local Government­s Areas of Rivers State.

“I spared no expense in supplement­ing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparen­cy of the electoral process.

“However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledg­e my contributi­ons or fulfil his promises and agreements.

“Even as a former deputy governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit. My investment in Wike’s governorsh­ip was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State,” Ikuru stated.

Yet, he stated that Wike’s leadership style and rash abuse of senior citizens brought him nothing but disappoint­ment, misery and losses.

“By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and developmen­t to reign in Rivers State.

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