I read and watched on television the unwarranted outburst of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on aspirations of former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former President of the Senate and Chairman of the 8th Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and indirectly, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto State.
Wike alleged that they caused the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 presidential election. He used some uncultured words towards these gentlemen. Yes, PDP was defeated in 2015, also yes, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku led about five governors, former national chairman, former governors, senators and many House of Reps members out of the PDP. There is no doubt, the exodus led to the defeat of the party at the general elections.
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In my own opinion, Governor Wike got it very wrong. The actual cause of defeat of PDP were utterances from people like him. The defeat of PDP started from the point when President Goodluck Jonathan reneged on his promise to serve only one term.
People like Governor Wike and many South South personalities including the then celebrated militants were all out to make him renege on his promise.
Another reason for the defeat was the inability of President Jonathan to sack then PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in spite of agitations to replace him.
Also, the dispute within the governor’s forum over election of its leadership was another reason. While some governors were in support of the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, the president, some governors from PDP and party leaders were in support of Jonah Jang of Plateau State.
Governor Wike should not forget the role he played during the imbroglio in Rivers State. The sympathy Governor Amaechi had back then was as a result of ways and manners he was treated even as a sitting governor.
The defeat of PDP started from 2011, immediately President Jonathan assumed power and at the same time nursing the ambition of retaining the power by not keeping the gentleman’s agreement of serving one term.
Thus, Governor Wike got it wrong to blame the defeat PDP suffered in 2015 on Atiku, Saraki, Tambuwal and the rest. Rather, he should blame himself and his likes. Ordinarily, if things were done rightly and aggrieved persons handled with care, issues addressed appropriately, President Jonathan would have won the second term convincingly.
Adenola, Mutiu Adebola [email protected]
