A former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Rivers State, Ike Wigodo, has criticised recent political rallies held by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Wigodo said Wike held a “thank you” rally last Saturday at Elekahia Primary School, Port Harcourt, and on Sunday at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Obio/Akpor.
He recalled that during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State, Executive Orders 20 and 21 were issued to restrict political activities in public spaces across the state. According to Wigodo, the orders were allegedly used to prevent opposition parties from campaigning.
Wigodo further claimed that some politicians, including Senator Magnus Abe and Thompson George Sekibo—now allies of Wike—were victims of political violence during that period.
Reacting to the recent rallies, Wigodo said Wike, now in opposition in the state, should focus on appreciating the people for the local government selection conducted last year rather than what he described as inflammatory rhetoric.
“I will want the governor to query and sanction those who allowed the so-called rally to hold in those public premises,” Wigodo said.
He described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a peaceful leader and expressed hope that calm would prevail in the state. “Fubara is a peaceful man. May he remain so for peace to return to Rivers State,” he added.
Wigodo also warned against violence, saying, “Those who seek peace, peace will they get, and those who seek violence will never have peace.”
