Dagogo stated that Wike would not abandon or fail to guide Governor Fubara effectively in his administration of the state.
By Joy Tamuno, Port-Harcourt
Amid rumors that Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, may leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the State Assembly Forum (ASAF) of the APC has requested Governor Sim Fubara to allow Wike to make his own decision. The Forum believes that Governor Fubara should let his predecessor determine his next political move and focus more on governing the oil-rich state.
In a statement released in Abuja by Amb. Fubara Dagogo, the Director General of the APC State Assembly Forum (ASAF), it was expressed that the APC is prepared to welcome Wike into its ranks and benefit from his extensive political and governance experience.
Dagogo urged Governor Fubara not to dissuade Wike from joining the APC, emphasizing that as a sitting governor, Fubara would benefit the most from Wike’s presence in the party. Given Wike’s exemplary leadership in Rivers State, Dagogo stated that Wike would not abandon or fail to guide Governor Fubara effectively in his administration of the state.
Dagogo advised that “while Fubara should concentrate in moving Rivers State forward from the enviable state Wike has left it, his continuous consultation of his predecessor, even in APC will be of immense help to him.
“The experience and network of ex governor Wike in administering Rivers state will be more enriching if he finally joins and reflects such at the center with the ruling APC, the party will be ready and happy to receive him in its fold to join in the onerous task of taking Nigeria to greater heights.”
It should be noted that Nyesom Wike, who led the discontented G5 governors of the opposition PDP in protesting the outcome of the party’s Presidential primary, was rumored to have supported the APC during the election by delivering his state to the party.
The recent close association between Wike and the APC, including frequent visits to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, has generated speculation that the former Governor of Rivers State will soon join the ruling party.
Furthermore, it is worth recalling that Governor Fubara had to appeal to his successor, insisting that Wike should remain in the PDP, as his wealth of experience would still be valuable for the state. Speaking at a reception for Wike in Rumuepikom town, Obio Akpor local government area of Rivers State, the governor expressed the need for Wike’s guidance and support to progress the state.
Expressing concern about Wike’s potential departure from the PDP, the governor remarked, “I don’t want to be distant from you because you are an exceptional achiever. I can perceive that you might soon defect to the APC. You began remarkably and concluded with great success, making any successor desire your proximity.”
