Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers sate has alleged that Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of PDP is building a private university from the proceeds of corruption and insisted that such person cannot lead Rivers State to any campaign.
Governor Wike who made the allegation while speaking at the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 election campaign flag-off rally that held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State on Saturday, challenged Dr. Ayu to sue him if he is not corrupt as accused, over the diversion of N1billion, N100million, and money realised from the party primaries.
His words, “You (Ayu) are building a university in Benue State, but you have not stayed one year in office. How do you fight corruption? I said you took N1billion, I told you, you took N100million, I told you, you took the money that we realised from the primary, Ayu sue me.”
“I have challenged Ayu, you are corrupt and cannot lead me to campaign. I will not, Rivers State will not, whether they like it or not, Ayu cannot lead us to campaign. Ayu is corrupt.”
Speaking further, Gov. Wike declared that he will not support anybody who believes that only they, and not other ethnic groups, can produce the president of Nigeria.
The governor wondered why anybody could go on national television to deride any tribe, insinuating that they are less Nigerians and therefore, do not qualify, on ethnic basis, to ascend the presidency.
‘My dear brothers of the integrity group, you’ve done well. They have tried to break us, they couldn’t break us and they will never break us.
“But here in Rivers State, I will say it and let the heavens hear me. Let the earth hear me today. I will not support anybody who says that no other person from other ethnic groups can be president. I will not do it.
“I mean, Nigeria belongs to all of us whether you’re from Hausa, Fulani whether you’re from Yoruba, whether you’re from Igbo, or you’re from Ikwerre, whether you’re from Urhobo, whether you’re from Itsekiri, you’re from Ijaw, or from anywhere, you are entitled to be president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, when you go on national television and tell anybody, don’t vote for the Yorubas, don’t vote for the Igbos, you didn’t even mention where I come from, which means, nobody identifies with me. Which means, I come from nowhere. But God knows that I come from some where.”
Governor Wike explained that his stance has nothing to do with the party because he believes in the PDP.
But, he insisted that it is about the identity of a people who are Nigerians and therefore, should have equal status, no matter their ethic groups.
The governor said when people do not acknowledge that you exist, there is need to tell such persons that you do exist.
According to him, the people of Rivers State do exist and as Nigerians they can also determine issues about the presidency, and become the president of Nigeria too.
“You are saying it, don’t vote for Igbos, don’t vote for the Yorubas. You don’t mention where I come from which means I don’t exist.
“God, are you alive and they say I don’t exist? I exist. God has never made a mistake in life. He is the one who said where we should come from? It has nothing to do with party. It has to do with my identity.”
