The Guardian (Nigeria)

Wike’s worst critics will agree he’s made great difference, says Oshiomhole

- From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt

ADAMS Oshiomhole, the former National Chairman of All Progressiv­es Congress and ex- Governor of Edo State, has said Governor Nyesom Wike’s worst critics will admit that the governor has made great difference, in terms of projects.

Oshiomhole stated this, yesterday, in Port Harcourt at the inaugurati­on of the Rumuepirik­om Flyover, the 8th constructe­d by Wike’s administra­tion.

Oshiomhole spoke just as Wike, again, insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) G- 5 governors will only be disposed to reconcilia­tion based on equity, fairness and justice.

The governor noted that some members of the party, who were singing his praises and those of colleagues that make up the G- 5 governors, have turned their back on them, calling them names due to their stand for equity.

Wike said: “Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what is the interest of Rivers State. You must tell me what is the interest of my community. I will not join anybody who does not want my state to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my state.”

Wike drew attention to the place of integrity in leadership across strata and why leaders must stand by what they say and do.

“When once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politician­s will stand up and make a statement. And then, people are watching you to fulfil that statement, promise you have made and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politician­s behave. I don’t agree to that.

“Individual­s can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason. And that is what they call integrity.”

He called on leaders across strata and divide to promote unity among Nigerians. According to him, the expected unity should be devoid of ethnicity, religion and party considerat­ions but based on the fact that one is a Nigerian.

Performing the inaugurati­on, Oshiomhole lauded the project, stating that in a democracy, though political parties are needed to win elections, promises made to the people must be kept and projects delivered as proof of governance.

He said: “I think Rivers people should be proud because. Wike has truly transforme­d this city”.

 ?? ?? Delta State Governor and Vice- Presidenti­al Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa ( right) being received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Charles Esimone and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, on arrival for the 11th Zik Lecture Series at the ASUU secretaria­t of the university in Awka… yesterday.
Delta State Governor and Vice- Presidenti­al Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa ( right) being received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Charles Esimone and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, on arrival for the 11th Zik Lecture Series at the ASUU secretaria­t of the university in Awka… yesterday.

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