PDP G-5 Governors Insist on Equity, Fairness and Justice in Party
The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has maintained that the G-5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will only accept reconciliation based on equity, fairness and justice.
Wike stated this on Wednesday, during the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover, commissioned by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State.
Governor Wike cited instances in which PDP members praised him and his fellow G-5 governor counterparts before a crisis rocked the PDP. However, he pointed out that because they are calling for equity, fairness, and justice, the same people have come around to call them names.
“ I’m sure those of them in my party, before, they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now, because I said let the right thing be done, let agreement be agreement. Because I have said that, I have now become an enemy. These were people who were praising me morning, night, any day.
“But because we said, look, we had an agreement, do this, do that, and some people believe that they will not, and we said it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G-5 Governors will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation, but reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”
The Governor stressed that politics is about interest, and Rivers people must be sure of what they stand to benefit from any support they will have to give ahead of the coming race.
“Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what the interest of Rivers State is. You must tell me what the interest of my community is. I will not join anybody who does not want my State to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my State.”
“When once you have lost integrity, you can offer nothing again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politicians will stand up and make a statement.
“And then, people are watching you fulfil that promise you made, and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politicians behave. I disagree with that.
“Individuals can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason why. And that is what they call integrity.”
He urged leaders from all social groups to foster unity among Nigerians. He asserted that the anticipated unity should be founded on one’s identity as a Nigerian rather than on considerations of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
“We need a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of. And so, for us, all we are looking for is how Nigeria will progress. How people will have food on their table. It is not about ethnicity, and it is not about religion. It is not about the party but how Nigeria will progress. That is where we stand.”
Governor Wike decried situations most people are made to experience, which often make them question their nationality as Nigerians. He said it is unfair for some Nigerians to lord it over others on an unequal stance, a feeling that negates unity and progress.
