Rivers State Governor Accused of Lavishing N30 Billion on Delegates

Strategic Insights -

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has been accused by the former director general of Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, of lavishing N30 billion of state funds on delegates during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary. Peterside claimed that Wike donated N10 billion to states in unsolicited charity and N20 billion to pursue his ill-fated presidential bid. The former federal lawmaker also accused Wike of prioritizing delegates over the welfare of Rivers pensioners, who are allegedly struggling to make ends meet. Wike, who came second in the primary with 237 votes, has been defended by his spokesperson, Kelvin Ebiri, who dismissed the allegations as spurious and baseless.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dakuku Peterside, former director general of Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), accused Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of lavishing N30 billion on delegates during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary.
  • Peterside claimed that Wike donated N10 billion to states in unsolicited charity and N20 billion to pursue his presidential bid.
  • Rivers pensioners are allegedly struggling to make ends meet, with some not receiving their salaries on time.
  • Kelvin Ebiri, Wike's spokesperson, dismissed the allegations as spurious and baseless, stating that no workers in Rivers State are owed salary and urging the public to confirm with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
  • Peterside and Wike have a history of rivalry, dating back to their time as commissioner for works and chief of staff under former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
  • Wike came second in the PDP presidential primary with 237 votes, behind Atiku Abubakar who won with 371 votes.

Statistics:

  • N30 billion of state funds allegedly lavished on delegates by Governor Wike.
  • N10 billion donated to states in unsolicited charity by Governor Wike.
  • N20 billion spent on pursuing Governor Wike's presidential bid.
  • 237 votes received by Governor Wike in the PDP presidential primary.
  • 371 votes received by Atiku Abubakar in the PDP presidential primary.
  • 70 votes received by Bukola Saraki in the PDP presidential primary.
  • 38 votes received by Udom Emmanuel in the PDP presidential primary.

Sources:

  • PREMIUM TIMES article on Dakuku Peterside's accusation against Governor Wike.
  • Statement by Dakuku Peterside on his congratulatory message to Atiku Abubakar.
  • Statement by Kelvin Ebiri, Governor Wike's spokesperson, dismissing the allegations.