Rivers State’s former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made public his involvement in the removal of Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike disclosed this during an end-of-year thanksgiving and celebration by the PDP in Ahoada-East/West in Ochigba town, Ahoada-East Rivers State.
Wike began his speech by emphasising the importance of being steadfast and having integrity. He praised the gathering for demonstrating these qualities, saying, “What you have shown today is what is called steadfastness. It’s very difficult to find people who are steadfast.”
The Minister then took a swipe at his critics, particularly Secondus, whom he revealed he kicked out as PDP chairman when Secondus attempted to make his cousin, Tele Ikuru, the Governor of Rivers State.
Wike also described Omehia as an “imbecile” for questioning his contributions to Rivers State.
Wike’s statement was part of a broader speech in which he addressed criticisms from Omehia who accused him of not attracting any projects as minister to the state.
But he defended his legacy as Governor of Rivers State, and as Minister of Education, highlighting his achievements, saying as education minister he brought the establishment of a faculty of law at the University of Port Harcourt, gave grants to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and Ignatius Ajuru University, and as well renovated Federal Government Colleges in Port Harcourt.
The Minister also highlighted his road construction projects, including the dualization of the Ahoada road to Odioku Junction, the award of the Bori Internal Road project, and the completion of the Ring Road in Opobo.
He revealed that he paid 50% of the contract sum for the Opobo Ring Road project and instructed the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to complete the project
He said: “I heard Secondus say the other day in Bori, I awarded the Bori Internal Road. I paid 50 per cent and thinking that we have a governor that we all agreed to continue, Secondus was saying that his enemies, who are the enemies of the Governor, Secondus that refused him to be Governor.
“I kicked out Secondus as PDP chairman of the party when he wanted to make his cousin Tele Ikuru to be Governor. Today, he is saying now that we are enemies. He was the one who refused the man to be Governor, he wanted his cousin to be Governor. He has now become the governor’s friend and we have now become the enemies. To God be the glory.
“I overheard one imbecile, and let him challenge me, an imbecile Celestine Omehia. I say so that is why when he wanted to occupy government House I kicked him out. We could not have imbecile to be Governor.
“He said they should ask me what have I done for Rivers State. That is why I say he is an imbecile. If he understands that I am not a minister of a ministry, I am a minister of Federal Capital Territory.”
Wike took a swipe at religious and traditional rulers, accusing them of lacking character and integrity. He questioned the moral authority of bishops who preach to him, saying, “How can people who do not have character come and preach the word of God to me?”
The Minister concluded his speech by emphasizing his commitment to helping Rivers people, despite the criticisms. He accused his critics of being “copycats” who are trying to imitate his achievements.
Wike’s speech was met with applause and cheers from the audience, which included leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in Ahoada-East and West local government areas of Rivers State.
Before concluding the event, Wike announced that he will be visiting President Bola Tinubu in Lagos for the holiday period, and will convey the Christmas wishes and prosperous New Year greetings of the people of Rivers State to the President.
