Wike: Legal Process Will Prevail Despite Attempts for Injunctions
Dave Ikiedei Asei
16/05/2024
Former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has made emphatic remarks concerning a legislator contemplating a switch from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike assured the lawmaker that fears of losing his assembly seat were unfounded and that the law would uphold his position.
In his statements, Wike underscored the PDP's stance that members of the state House of Assembly who defected to the APC are effectively no longer part of the Assembly. He urged the APC and discontented lawmakers to abandon their aspirations of dominating the state, emphasizing the PDP's unwavering grip on power.
This pronouncement was made during a Thanksgiving celebration in Ogu town, located in the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. The event was held in honor of Senator George Sekibo, commemorating his 20 years of service in the National Assembly and 36 years in public service. It was at this gathering that Wike addressed Arnold, a member of the House of Assembly from the Ogu/Bolo constituency who recently defected from the PDP to the APC.
"Let me state this clearly: Arnold, don't be afraid that someone would remove you from your position as an Assembly member," Wike declared. "You will remain a member of the Assembly."
Wike's comments reflect a broader political strategy, revealing his intent to instill a sense of urgency and caution among defectors. "The majority of you are ignorant. Our job in politics is to do this. What I'm doing is inciting anger and terror in them," he added, pointing to his political maneuvering as a method to maintain party loyalty and discipline.
The implications of Wike's statements are significant for the political landscape of Rivers State. His assurances to Arnold and his pointed comments about the nature of political strategy underscore the contentious and dynamic nature of state politics. The tension between the PDP and APC, particularly over the issue of party defections and their legal ramifications, continues to be a critical point of contention.
Moreover, Wike's remarks at Senator Sekibo's Thanksgiving celebration were not just about internal party dynamics but also about reinforcing the strength and resilience of the PDP in the face of opposition. His confidence in the legal system to uphold the positions of PDP members despite defections serves as a deterrent to potential defectors and a reassurance to loyalists within the party.
In conclusion, Wike's address at the Thanksgiving event for Senator George Sekibo was a strategic declaration aimed at consolidating the PDP's power and stability in Rivers State. By dismissing fears of losing legislative seats and asserting the supremacy of the law, Wike has reinforced his position as a formidable political leader. This development highlights the ongoing power struggles within Nigerian state politics and the pivotal role of legal and strategic maneuvers in maintaining political dominance.
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