A socio-political group in Bayelsa State, Vanguard for Change, has lampooned outgoing and loquacious Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for his tirade of insults on the people of Bayelsa State over the purported demolition of a property belonging to Bayelsa state in the old GRA of Port Harcourt.
Wike had alleged an imaginary hostilities from Bayelsa State against Rivers State and went ahead to pronounce the take over of the landed property on Akassa street despite concrete plans by the State Government to renovate the structures.
The Executive Director of Vanguard for Change, Dr. James Ebitimi, said it was regrettable that Governor Wike had through his action threatened the age long cordial relationship between the two states.
Dr. Ebitimi, who thanked Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for not exchanging words with Wike, said Bayelsans were very disappointed that Wike opened another fight with Diri just like he did with former governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in 2019.
“What law gives him authority to take over land of another state government. These two states are supposed to be brothers because we are actually one big old Rivers State. It is Wike that is even hostile to Bayelsa State by attempting to steal our property.”
According to Dr. Ebitimi, despite Wike’s denial that his action is not political and that he informed the Bayelsa Governor in time before his action, the demolished houses owned by Bayelsa is not the only perceived old building in the GRA and his action is largely political,” he is acting in line with his agreement with failed politicians to employ distractive measures against Gov. Diri ahead of the November elections.
“He should not transfer his political problem, or agreement, with an individual to the entire state”.
“It is very simple, Wike is fighting Douye Diri because of his failed PDP Presidential ambition. And he seems a frustrated governor by his rantings picking up quarrels with anyone he believed did not back him. That’s even bad politics. He should be warned and should not be used to fight the Lord’s annointed”, Ebitimi stated.
The group however commended the silent posture of the Bayelsa State Governor,Senator Douye Diri,” despite the provocation and the fact that Gov. Diri’s silence on the issue is painful to the loud traits of Governor Wike, it is best approach to someone who easily forget who his brothers or sisters are due to ego trips. Silence is indeed golden!.”
On the claims that the Bayelsa Government suffers from leadership failure, the group described the claim as laughable and disgraceful,” is Gov. Wike so forgetful that his leadership style in Rivers State was with “brute force” “disrespect to traditional institutions” and ” violation of human rights”.?
“This was the same governor Wike was praising for the many developmental projects including the lecture halls he inaugurated during the 2nd anniversary of the Prosperity Government. Wike needs to recover from the 2023 election and move on.”
Despite being touted as Mr. Project, Dr. Ebitimi noted the perceived shameful manner he ruled with force rather than allow participatory governance in Rivers State.?”
“But Gov. Diri despite the incomparable finances has achieved the best for Bayelsa without arrogance and disrespect to the people. Diri simplicity is the only source of pain to Gov. Wike and his likes within and outside Bayelsa”, Ebitimi stated.
“His kinsmen from Ikwere land, and the right thinking people of Rivers State, should call Gov. Wike to order. His reign will pass on May 29th, he should stop dropping unresolved baggages at the door step of his successor. If he had been supported as Presidential choice of PDP, is this how he would have turned PDP and the country into abbyss of theaterics?. Maybe he would have become “fighting President of Africa and the world”.
