The Atiku advocacy group made up of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate’s friends and associates, has decried the purported endorsement of APC’s governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos state for a second term in office by governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, describing it as “backstabbing, ill informed, tendentious, very unfortunate and a betrayal of trust.”
Leaders of the movement said in a statement endorsed by Chief Dapo Sarumi, PDP founding National Vice Chairman South-west, Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, PDP South-west zonal secretary and Dr. Babs Akinlolu, former Executive Director, Finance , NTA, that they would have ignored the action of Wike if he had made the statement in Rivers state and not that he did not only come to Lagos to give the shady endorsement but also back it up with practical evidence that he was ready to finance the opposition.
The statement signed by Pastor Kayode Jacobs, on behalf of the the Coordinating Council said by Wike’s action, he has not only betrayed Lagos PDP, but the entire good people of Lagos who may not forget his action in a hurry.
“While we are still trying to come to terms with the enormous shock and political implications of Wike’s statement and action, we want to believe that it must be a slip and that he was only thinking loud, as no true Party leader will commit such a betrayal just a few months to election.
“Governor Wike is known to be a true Partyman who has many friends in Lagos and even ensured that Jide Adeniran (JANDOR) emerged as the Lagos PDP candidate. He recently vowed severally not to work against the party but stay within to ensure that things are done rightly.
“If Governor Wike’s major grouse is that Governor Tambuwal betrayed him by endorsing Atiku openly and National Chairman Iyorcha Ayu did same by openly endorsing Tambuwal’s action, how then do we describe what he did in Lagos? Does he have any further justification vilifying anyone and continuing in arms against his beloved Party?.”
The group therefore demanded that Governor Wike, after deep reflection, heed to voice of reasoning, apologise not only to Lagos PDP members but the entire people of Lagos currently groaning under APC’s misgovernance, high handedness and elevation of thuggery over and above decency.
“For over 20 years, Lagos has been kept bound under these people by the share force of manipulation, bribery of electoral officials and brigandage.
“The market men and women are quietly praying and thanking God for BVAS, other traders, artisans and commercial transport operators are happily looking forward to 2023 election day when their votes will, for the first time, count and they will do away with bondage of many years. They have all been waiting eagerly for PDP so that they can breathe fresh air, and now, all the way from Rivers State, Gov Wike in an attempt to dash that hope endorsed the rejected.government of APC in Lagos.
“We strongly believe that with his Lagos action, he lost all moral justification for his continued fight against the Party. What he did in Lagos is a betrayal of trust against the Party. Now we urge him to sheath his sword and agree that as human being no one is perfect. The goodwill he built over the years must not be destroyed on the altar of ego
“We urge all PDP members in Lagos to remain focused and keep faith. Lagosians will determine who rules and not individuals as the era of impunity and indecent political manipulations are over. and done with.”
