Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, for supporting the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Wike accused Sekibo of being a self-seeking politician, who was unable to attract democratic dividends to the state and also to his hometown, Okrika while he served as a minister.
The governor spoke during the inauguration of 319 wards and 32 constituency liaison officers in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said: “I watched a video, where one Dr. Abiye Sekibo, while he was addressing people in his house, yesterday (Sunday), said he is the director of Atiku’s Supporters in Rivers. I have no problem with that. But he does not have the capacity to speak on behalf of Rivers State.
“In that video, he said River State has been having a close relationship with Atiku and that Rivers State has always benefitted from Atiku. I want to correct one impression; Dr Abiye Sekibo has a personal relationship with Atiku, not Rivers State.
“Sekibo was Minister of Transport when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the Vice President of Nigeria. Can you people mention one project in Okrika, I don’t even want to talk about Rivers State, that he brought down? Is there anyone?”
The governor said leadership is not about personal aggrandisement, but serving the people, and protecting their interests while building up others as competent successors.
The governor stressed that Sekibo as Secretary to the Rivers State government did not also execute any project of note in Okrika; while he, as Chief of Staff, delivered several road projects in Rumuepirikom.
Wike declared that PDP governorship candidates, all the House of Representatives, Senate and State House of Assembly will win in the 2023 general elections. He, however, disclosed that the state is yet to determine what to do concerning the presidential election.
“PDP will win our state. I am not hiding it as far as the governorship, House of Reps, Senate and State Assembly elections are concerned. The other one, we have not decided, until the right thing is done.”