Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly apologized to the former state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah. The apology was tendered during Obuah's New Year’s Thanksgiving event at his country home in Ogba/Egbema LGA of Rivers State on Saturday, January 13th.
Wike, accompanied by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and other dignitaries, utilized the occasion to express regret for obstructing Obuah's ambitions to contest for the office of governor in the upcoming 2023 elections. Wike acknowledged Obuah's contributions to his political success, emphasizing that Obuah deserved support for the governorship in 2023.
Addressing the gathering, Wike praised Obuah's character and revealed the decision to prevent him from running in the governorship primaries in 2023. He acknowledged that Obuah had willingly accepted his directive not to run and even took on the role of Director General of the campaign. Wike took the opportunity to apologize to the people of Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni for the decision that had caused them hurt, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and rectifying mistakes as a leader.
Wike also responded to the Oba of Ogba land's call for a peaceful resolution of political crises in the state, highlighting his commitment to obeying directives from President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that he would adhere to the President's guidance and acknowledged the efforts of his team in keeping their part of the agreement.
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, lauded Obuah for his strong relationship with his people. He described Wike as the political leader not only of Rivers State but also of the entire South-South region, emphasizing the widespread appeal and support Wike enjoys across the country. Lokpobiri highlighted Wike's friendships and connections, stating that, apart from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no Nigerian commands the same level of appeal as the former FCT Minister.
The event, attended by prominent figures across party lines, featured goodwill messages from members of the National Assembly, including Senator Barry Mpigi, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Chibudum Nwuche, National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the South-South Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Hon Tombari Giadom.
