2023: Governor Wike Visits Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Reveals Outcome
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has refused to endorse the candidacy of Governor Nyesom Wike as the presidential flag bearer of the PDP
- Obasanjo however admires Wike's courage and conviction of the truth as he wishes him success in the presidential primary
- The ex-president says his decision not to support any aspirant is because he is no longer a member of any party nor is he into partisan politics
Ogun, Abeokuta - As part of preparations ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections in 2023, presidential hopeful and governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has paid a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Daily Nigerian newspaper reported Wike met with the former Nigerian leader in Abeokuta on Monday, May 23 in the company of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state.
Source: Twitter
Legit.ng gathered that the visit was aimed to consult and appeal to Obasanjo to support the presidential ambition of Nyesom Wike.
Wike who spoke to newsmen after a closed-door meeting with the former Nigerian leader said his visit was deliberate in other to tap from the enormous experience of Obasanjo in governance.
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He described the visit as very important and significant because his ambition requires the knowledge of someone who has presided over the affairs of the country before.
He said:
“We have come to consult our leader; to consult somebody who has presided over the affairs of this country, not just as a president, but also as a former military Head of State.
“The kind of experience he had and the passion he has for this country coupled with his continuous preaching for unity and peace is something to be emulated.
“This country requires somebody who has the courage; somebody who can take a firm decision and somebody who wants to unite Nigerians and that is what we think that we should do.”
However, Obasanjo on the other hand urged that everyone must unite to help curb the shortcomings of Nigeria.
Obasanjo further added that his conversation with Wike and the issues he raised is very paramount to him as an individual.
He said:
“As I often said, no one individual can say yes I can do it because the situation Nigeria is in today, we need all hands, all Nigerian hands on deck to restore Nigeria and that is what Gov. Wike is saying to me."
Obasanjo lauds Wike's courage
Obasanjo however acknowledged the courage of Governor Wike, stating that Nigeria needs someone with conviction to speak the truth.
He also stressed that he is no longer into partisan politics but will be wishing the Rivers state governor well in his quest to be the next president of Nigeria.
He said:
“I ceased to be a partisan politician; I don’t belong to any political party, but if politics is the welfare of the people, I cannot cease to be a politician because I must always seek the welfare of the people.
“Courage, he doesn’t lack it; and if you have courage and you have the conviction to speak your mind, you will be an example of a saying in this part of the world that `a person who speaks the truth all the time may not even get a mat spread for him. I wish Governor Wike well.”
Wike dissolves cabinet, sacks chief of staff, aide with immediate effect
In another development, members of the Rivers state executive councils were on Tuesday, May 24, relieved of their official duties.
This is the latest decision of Governor Nyesom Wike which has been relayed to the affected persons in a statement released by his media aide.
The fiery and outspoken PDP governor also sacked his chief of staff and the senior special assistant (protocol).
How my political career was saved by Odili - Wike
Also, Governor Wike had on Sunday, May 15, expressed his gratitude to Justice Mary Odili, wife of former Rivers state governor, Peter Odili.
The governor said the retired Supreme Court of Nigeria Justice saved his political career when some unnamed individuals ganged up against him.
He stated that Justice Odili intervened in his matter through her husband, Peter, who was the Rivers state governor at the time.
Source: Legit.ng
