Wike flirts with APC; endorses Akpabio for Senate President

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has disclosed why he is supporting the ambitions of Senator Godswill Akpabio who is the frontrunner to be senate president.

Wike who received members of the Stability Group, made up of Senators-elect, led by its Director General, Senator Ali Ndume noted that he received support from Akpabio during the governorship elections.

The Stability Group is rooting for the emergence of Akpabio as senate president of the 10th National Assembly.

Wike said, “This is the time for me to support him (Akpabio) because he supported me when I wanted to be the governor of River State.

“If truly we want this country to move forward from where we are today, I see nothing wrong in the ruling party picking who it thinks can work with the President-elect as the Senate President of the 10th Assembly.

“On this Akpabio and (Jibrin) Barau project we are together to make sure they win.

"Akpabio supported me during my governorship ambition. He stood by me all through and ensured that I won.

“I don’t pay back good with evil. This is pay back time for him. I will stand by him until he emerges the next Senate President. Our team would soon meet to take a position on your aspiration.

“Don’t be worried or disturbed with the contending forces against your aspiration, it is normal in politics.

“Power is not given on a silver platter, you fight for it. I am impressed that despite your endorsement by your party and the President-elect, you are still consulting your colleagues. That is the way it should be.

“Let us be fair to this country. If we continue this way, Nigeria will not succeed. Don’t waiver stay firm and you will win at the end of the day,” he stressed.

Akpabio commended Wike for his support towards his emergence as the next Senate President.

He said, “Let me congratulate you for ending your tenure as the governor of River State on the high.

“You have done well for your people and Nigerians. History would be kind to you as you exit office in the next few days. You believe in justice, equity and fairness and that is what Nigerians know you for.

Ndume, had earlier described Wike as a man of his words and very reliable.

He said, “Governor Wike was the first to buy into the Akpabio/ Barau project.

“Wike is a reliable individual that is always committed to his promises. We need your support at this crucial time because you are very influential in the PDP, ” he declared.