Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
-By Victoria Opeyemi
…Cautions Akpabio
The Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has blamed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its sister union Trade Union Congress (TUC) over frequent fuel increase and electricity hike.
The Governor made this statement during inauguration of the new three-storey TUC building that has a 500- seater auditorium, conference room and fully furnished offices. The complex is built for TUC in Port Harcourt.
Wike wondered why labour leaders who were apparently vibrant during the days of President Goodluck Jonathan suddenly became quiet and foot dragging at the country’s present administration in which labour leaders find it difficult to engage or mount pressure on the government of the day.
He maintained that tepid actions of labour leaders made the government to be emboldened by undermining Nigerians especially in taken crucial decisions that are inimical to the people.
The Governor enjoined labour leaders not only to concentrate on minimum wage but other salient issues that will be beneficial to the people adding that every Nigerian should be treated equally irrespective of ethnic background.
Wike said he has drawn battle line with Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over recent verbal attack on South-South governors. He threatened to deal with Akpabio if he dared speak negatively about Rivers State, insisting that Akpabio had no authority to talk about the state. He alleged Akpabio was behind a recent publication by militant groups asking the South-South to account for N55trn derivation money. Akpabio carried himself like a god wondering why he failed an ordinary senatorial election if he had performed as a Governor.
Wike said: “It is unfortunate I read what the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akpabio said. I will tell him to talk less. We will tell him that when he was the governor he was acting like a king. There was money that time. The exchange rate was N150 per dollar. Today, it is N500 for a dollar.”
“Akpabio had money but he had the temerity to ask South-South governors what they are doing with 13 per cent derivation. Akpabio should not talk to Rivers State at all. He has no such authority. He is not qualified to talk to Rivers State.
He added: “So, if he wants to talk let him concentrate on his state not to venture again talk about Rivers. If he does it again, he will regret. I am not one of those governors he can turn around. I am not that kind of person. People should say what they practice.
The Governor was referring to the inauguration of the permanent headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Wike said Akpabio failed to confirm from the South-South Governors the date that would be suitable for them.
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