Wike Makes First Public Appearance After Losing PDP’s Vice Presidential Ticket to Okowa
- Earlier, PDP presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate for the 2023 elections
- During the unveiling of Okowa, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state was noticeably absent and this top discussion in the polity with many wondering about his next step
- In a new development, Wike made his first public appearance after losing the VP slot to the governor of Delta state, Okowa
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state at the weekend made his first public appearance after the controversies that surrounded his rejection by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from becoming the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, The Nation reports.
The Governor's camp had been kicking against the process that led to the emergence of the Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, ahead of Wike.
Dressed in a white kaftan with his face decked in black goggles, Wike, who appeared unruffled, was accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike, to attend the wedding ceremony of Mr. Chima Emmanuel Aguma.
Source: Facebook
The wedding ceremony
Chima, whose ceremony was attended by many dignitaries on Saturday, June 18, is the son of late Rivers Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma (SAN) and the immediate past commissioner for social welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inimefien Aguma.
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He tied the nuptial knot with Jessica Nwamaka Akpe, at St. Paul’s Cathedral Diobu, Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
Source: Facebook
Those present at the event
Dignitaries present at the wedding ceremony were Deputy Governor Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; former Rivers Governor, Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili, Justice Supreme Court (rtd); Speaker Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani; Leader of Rivers Assembly, Martin Amaewhule and Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate, Siminalaye Fubara among others.
Nigerians react
Nigerians took to the official Facebook page of Legit.ng and reacted to the development.
Patrick Okpah Ikogho said
"Wike was not rejected, but he refused to be Atiku running mate."
Funmi Adegoke Legends questioned
"Pls, can someone tell me the meaning Nyesom, I like that name. God bless my Rivers people o."
Blessing Chuks said
"I still have much respect for him."
Ofornedu Chukwunonso said
"This is the level they relegate him to."
Asogwa Kenneth stated
"If he likes, let him not attend any functions again."
Abdulsalam Salisu said
"wike just congratulate governor okowa nd move your party forward."
Jerry Elimo said
"Wike na una mate? A man that rejected the VP slot: even Atiku no say wike na man."
Presidency 2023: Youth advocate advises Atiku to pick Wike as running mate
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the executive director of the Platform for Youth and Women Development, Ogoegbunam Kingdom, advised Atiku to pick Governor Wike as his running mate.
In a brief email chat with Legit.ng, Mr Kingdom who called for a wide consultation said Governor Wike is the best vice presidential candidate who will deliver the entire southern region for Atiku and the PDP.
He said the Rivers state governor has massive cult followers in the south and in the middle belt region.
Southeast PDP kick against Wike's nomination
Meanwhile, some stakeholders of the party mainly from the southeast are said to be against the endorsement of the Rivers state governor.
The source said the zone felt having contributed immensely to the development of the party since 1999, they deserve a better deal from the party in 2023.
The opponents to Wike as running mate to Atiku are said to be behind some trending videos on the social media where the Rivers governor was seen swearing never to take the vice-presidential slot.
Source: Legit.ng
