Yekini Nabena, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, has criticized Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. Particularly for demolishing of Bayelsa state government facilities in Port Harcourt. Mr Nabena also alleged in his statement released in Abuja on Friday that the demolition was linked to Wike’s failed presidential ambitions.
The two residential quarters for workers of the Bayelsa State Government were sited on a large expanse of land on 5 and 9, Akassa Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt. However, they were destroyed by Rivers officials who insisted that a vacation notice had been issued.
The state government also said the buildings constitute a “public nuisance“. Further claiming they undermined the Rivers state government’s urban renewal and infrastructure development policies.
However, the Bayelsa state government released a different statement through Land and Housing Commissioner Andrew Esua. He reiterated that demolition was avoided because the two states have a long history of friendship.
In the wake of the harsh criticism that followed Mr Wike’s actions, the governor argued that demolition was not the first time the administration had implemented an urban renewal plan.
But Nabena believed that Wike’s excuse was a fabricated smoke screen to hide his true motives.
The APC’s former deputy spokesman added, “In 2019, when the going was good between the two, Wike even spearheaded the Supreme Court case against the APC. At this time Wike did not think of demolishing Bayelsa State properties. But because Governor Diri failed to support his failed presidential ambition during Peoples Democratic Party’s primary election, he has suddenly woken up to remember that Bayelsa state properties are defacing an area in Port Harcourt. This is unacceptable”.
He further stated, “I will, therefore, call on Governor Wike to limit his dictatorship and political drunkenness to Rivers state. The Ijaw Nation will not tolerate disrespect, Bayelsa people will not bow to Wike’s god and as a state. Wike cannot force his political interest over us. Bayelsa is not Rivers”.
cc: Punch Ng
