Former senator Magnus Abe on Sunday condemned what he described as unnecessary political drama in Bayelsa State over a rumoured visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a facebook post, Abe expressed concern over the level of mobilization by state officials, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and political actors to allegedly block Wike’s visit.
He wrote; ”I have been watching all the hoopla and frenzy concerning an invitation by a group for a visit of the the FCT Minister to Bayelsa and the Wikephobia ( the fear of Nyesom Wike) that has gripped the state.
”Everyone from the Governor, to the elders, courts, community leaders, political actors are holding meetings and press conferences to stop one Nigerian Minister from coming to the state.
”Wike has said he has no plans to come to Bayelsa state but even that statement has not been enough to tone things down.
”Well, my advice to the Bayelsa State Government is simple. Safe the money for the anti-Wike press conferences, court cases and spend it on your people.
”The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees all Nigerians, including Nyesom Wike, the freedom to move freely within our country.
”The day Wike decides to visit Yenagoa he will do so just like Governor Diri comes to Port-Harcourt and Abuja whenever he wants.
”As leaders in the South-South let us learn to use our phones. A simple phone call from Governor Diri to Minister Wike could have saved the state from all this trauma and needless expenses.
”It’s time for us all review our style in the south south, we will all do so much better if we can cooperate and collaborate.
His post generated repulsion among some facebook users who launched attack on him, accusing him of playing to the gallery on facebook to impress the FCT minister, Wike.
A facebok user, Sogbeye Eli , expressing his displeasure wrote; ”Senator Magnus Abe let me humbly ask you to take the hint you dropped here next time. A phone call to the Governor of Bayelsa State, HE Senator Duoye Diri, from you to express your opinion would have worked the magic more than this playing to the gallery on Facebook to impress the FCT Minister and his loyalists”.
Another facebook user, Saviour Comrade imeabe said, ” Distinguished why…you are loosing it big time ..the people are beginning to lost their regards and respect for you and that’s very bad ..this same wike called you the weakest among all the governorship candidates in 2023 and accused you of being in possession of the money meant for several projects in Ogoniland. He stopped you from embarking on your campaign for your return to Senate.Indeed politics in Nigeria has no integrity.
In his own write-up, Clever Sunny queried: ”Oga, the question is why did your friend Wike stopped you from holding your rally in your own state in 2023 ? We need answer”.
Other write-ups, condemning the post are captured below;
Bob Abayomi: ”Once again my sincere apologies goes to Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for my unwarranted attacks on him all because of this self serving man. Hon. Amaechi was very correct about all he saw in this man but we felt this man was a true servant leader. See how his quest for money and governorship of Rivers State has reduced him to a mere servant. Victor Giadom, Barry Mpigi, Ken Konami, Fred Kpakol etc are still watching at him.
Ttpaul Baotman: ”By the time the party primaries are over, we hope you’ll continue with this Social Media job you have found for yourself. Wike insulted the Ijaw nation and people are provoked. What the government said is, in other to avoid a clash, don’t do such rally in the State for now Douye Diri is not contesting for Governorship so what exactly should he be afraid of? The Wike you so feared that you have submitted to his mastership is still grappling with a mere civil servant Governor as you people used to call him. So what exactly is in Wike that is so fretful. Meanwhile, the people you alleged were killed by Wike during the 2015 elections, we hope they are resting in peace now? The oppressed now in league with the oppressor just to have a taste of the crumbs. Meanwhile, congratulations on your appointment. Just to also let you know that a Calabar man has become a governor in your state before any Ogoni man”.
Ugochukwu Oputa: ”Magnus has fallen off badly. Why does Wike have his effect on people”.
Princewill Ordu: ”You’ve proven to be a man without shame or principle. It’s no surprise that Rotimi never trusted you with any real role in governing Rivers State. You talk big, flaunting your polished English like it’s a badge of intellect, but it’s all empty show no depth, no wisdom, just noise. All those grand speeches were likely the result of a few nights cramming words you barely understand. You’ve traded dignity for cheap applause, and now your true colors are plain for all to see”.
Ijaw matters viewpoint : ”Magnus Abe errand boy to wike, who gave u tongue and mouth to talk”.
Love Stephanie: ”When wike stopped Atiku campaign rally from coming to rivers state, did you also write what you have just written? Robber bullet point”.
Von Harry: ”The FCT Minister major problem are the sycophants and Praise Singers around him that have refused to tell him the truth when he is wrong or going astray because of their own personal interest and benefits from him. When a man cannot tell his friend that has a mouth odor, that his mouth is smelling, but watch people abuse and make jest of his friend because of the mouth odor, that person is worst that the enemy his friend might be fighting with. The FCT Minister has lots of people who are after personal gain in, with and by him, they don’t care about his integrity or well-being. To them is all about personal gain, stomach infrastructure, etc, I pray God opens the eyes of the Minister to know who are his true enemies. Sometimes it is not those he is fighting that are his enemies, he should look inwardly first and screen those around him. I use to respect you a lot, but recently I doubt if integrity, respect and conscience ever exist. But one thing, God is above. He install Leaders, not mortals. Promotion is from Him, not from any man. And remember, God is not mocked, whatever we sown in life, we must surely reap. If not Us, our Children and generations yet to come. I feel so disheartening when men of your caliba and class cannot tell wrong and right because of personal gain and selfish interest. Power is transient and one day it will end, what then can you be remembered for? What will people say about you?: I read people insult you, whenever you say a word, is this how it ought to be? Good name they said is better than riches and gold. May God that sees all, in His own timing do what is best for Rivers State. God has the FINAL say, not man, And His Time will tell. God will surely judge”.
Samuel Fubara: ”Senator Magnus Abe please also save some money and give to all the gullible youths that wasted their time following you to chase your senseless I must be on ballot ambition. No youth in south south should take you serious”.
