Apc Berates Wike Over Claim Of Pdp Regaining Power In 2019

BEVERLY HILLS, May 11, (THEWILL) – The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Wednesday reacted to the claim by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state that the Peoples Democratic Party, will return to power at the federal level in 2019, describing the Governor's assertions as an “idle postulations”.

It however warned security agencies and Nigerians not to be hoodwinked by this latest ploy to deflect attention from the continued and increased spate of mass killings and violence being perpetuated under the watch of the Rivers State Governor and the PDP in the state.

It would be recalled that Governor Wike was reported to have stated in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Tuesday that the PDP is currently being “reorganised” to take over the “seat of power” in 2019.

But responding in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, the governing party pointed out that the spate of killings in Rivers State has now assumed genocidal dimensions with horrendous killing and maiming of residents and security personnel almost on a daily basis.

The statement reads, “On Monday, five mobile policemen including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr. Nasiru Halidu were ambushed and killed at Okobe in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers state. On Tuesday, five persons were killed and scores injured in attacks in different parts of the state. The state high court premises in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital also came under attack.

“Clearly, Rivers State has been transformed into a killing field under the watch of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the PDP in the state. The APC calls on the Police and other security agencies to as a matter of urgency, rise up to stop the breakdown of law and order which has resulted in mass killings and other forms of violence in Rivers State.

“Meanwhile, instead of joining issues with Nyesom Wike's idle 2019 postulations, the APC-led administration would rather concentrate on ongoing efforts to deliver all-inclusive development in the country. Commendably, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is already working assiduously to repair the rot caused by the PDP's 16-year misrule and pillage of the country's commonwealth.

“Since the APC-led administration took over the governance of the country, the fight against Boko Haram have been invigorated with regional and global support and cooperation against the terror group.

“The recently assented 2016 National Budget caters for many of the promises made to the Nigerian electorate by the party in the course of the 2015 presidential campaign. This includes the safety net created to cater for the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians amongst other pro-people developmental policies.

“Also, President Muhammadu Buhari's shuttle diplomacy has been able to restore Nigeria's integrity among comity of progressive-minded nations. “The shuttle diplomacy has also had positive effects on the country's economic policies and counter-insurgency efforts.

“In spite of desperate attempts by the PDP and its agents to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-corruption efforts, the war against corruption is being won and have been well-received and supported. The generality of Nigerians agree that the days of impunity are over. The political will and sincerity of purpose of the present administration to tackle corruption from the roots to the upper echelons no matter whose ox is gored remains unwavering.

“Happily, Nigerians can look back, with relief and attest that since the APC-led administration took over governance, Nigeria is back on the right track – economically and security-wise.”