Explain Atiku’s comments to Nigerians, Wike tells PDP

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Monday called on the Peoples Democratic Party to address Nigerians over the “divisive comment” by the party’s Presidential standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar.

Wike spoke at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in the Ikwerre Local Government Area shortly after arriving from his short trip to Spain.

The Rivers State Governor had jetted out to Spain with his counterparts; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue).

Recall that Atiku, at a forum in the North, was quoted as saying, “I know the whole of this country. I have built bridges across this country.

“I think what an average northerner needs, is somebody who is from the north, who also understands the other parts of Nigeria, and who has been able to build bridges across the rest of the country. This is what the northerner needs.

“He (the northerner) doesn’t need a Yoruba or an Igbo candidate. This is what the northerner needs. I stand before you as a pan-Nigerian of northern origin.”

However, Wike expressed doubts that such a statement came from Atiku, but added that such a stance coming at a period of transition for the nation gives vent to the call for equity, fairness and justice.

The governor said the PDP must “as a matter of urgency address the issue in order for Nigerians not to view the party which is preparing to take over power in 2023 as insensitive and devoid of justice which it preaches.”