Defection rumours: Wike visits Ibori, calls for unity

Governor Nyesom Wike, on Monday, visited former governor of Delta state, Chief James Ibori.

The visit came amidst rumours that the ex-governor is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressive Congress. The visit is also coming weeks after Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Delta State Governor and Ibori’s protege defected to the APC.

The governor was accompanied on the visit to the Oghara residence of the former governor by his Delta State counterpart, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Lee Maeba, Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara, Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo and Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

Wike who is also Co-Chairman of his PDP’s national reconciliation committee said a stronger and united Niger Delta would translate into the greater development of the region.

Also present was Senator Peter Nwaobishi, a close ally of the Former Delta State Governor.

Governor Wike said: “Niger Delta must continue to be United. Whatever it takes, unity is still very key. When we are divided, outsiders will come and exploit our resources to the disadvantage of our communities.

“We have to fight to protect the interest of the Niger Delta. We draw strength from people like Former Governor James Ibori, a man who has variegated experiences “.

“We must work as brothers. We must work as a team. We must not allow our United front to be divided”, he said.

Chief Ibori hailed the unity between the two governors on matters of development, stressing on the unity of the region. He further commended governor Wike for his success so far, adding that he should sustain the effort.

He said: “We need to be United to be able to serve our people better. We have to cooperate for the good of our people.

Delta State Governor, Dr Okowa on his part described his counterpart governor Wike as a formidable grassroots politician.

He also harped on the urgent need for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders in the region to give the area a stronger voice.

The meeting later went into a closed-door session.