AHEAD of the convocation of the 10th National Assembly and as the race for its leadership hots up, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has declared support for Senator Godswill Akpabio in his quest to become the senate president.
Speaking while receiving members of a group of senators-elect, the Stability Group, led by its Director General, Senator Ali Ndume, who are canvassing support for the emergence of Akpabio, Wike said: “This is the time for me to support him, 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 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 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.”
In his response, Akpabio thanked Wike for the support for his aspiration to emerge the next president of the senate, noting: “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.”
Earlier, Ndume had described Wike as a man of his words and very reliable, adding: “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.”
