The outgoing governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has endorsed the former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, for the position of the president of the 10th senate.
He declared support for Akpabio when the aspirant and a group senators-elect under the auspices of Stability Group visited him in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had zone the senate presidency seat to the south-south geopolitical zone with Akpabio as the preferred candidate.
A statement by the Akpabio campaign media office quoted Wike as saying he would support the former minister because he was there for him when he wanted to be Rivers governor.
“This is the time for me to support him because he supported me when I wanted to be the governor of Rivers 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 payback time for him. I will stand by him until he emerges as the next senate president. Our team would soon meet to take a position on your aspiration,” the statement quoted Wike as saying.
Wike urged the aspirant not to worry about the forces against his ambition saying it is a normal thing in politics.
“Don’t be worried or disturbed by the contending forces against your aspiration; it is normal in politics. Power is not given on a platter of gold, 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.”
Responding, Akpabio thanked Wike for his support and congratulated him on his tenure as governor.
“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,” he added.
