ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Monday, asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to apologize to Nigerians over an alleged divisive comment by Atiku Abubakar, the party’s Presidential candidate.
Wike spoke at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area, shortly after arriving from his two days trip to Spain.
The former presidential aspirant had jetted out to Spain with his counterparts; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue), on Saturday.
Atiku was quoted as saying: “I know the whole of this country. I have built bridges across this country.”
The one time Vice President stated also, “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.”
Reacting, Governor Wike who expressed doubts that such a statement came from Atiku, however, said such a stance coming at a period of transition for the nation, call for equity, fairness and justice.
The former Minister of State for Education said the PDP must as a matter of urgency address the issue in order for Nigerians not to view the party as insensitive and devoid of justice which it preaches, as it is preparing to take over power in 2023.