Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has received the backing of the GrassRoots Development Initiative (GDI), in his cold war with former governor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been accused of trying to run the State from Abuja, but Fubara refused to be tele-guided leading to a well-publicized fall-out between the duo.
Speaking Monday in Port Harcourt leader of the GDI, Collins Onuwo said the group, which was founded by Wike said peace in Rivers State was paramount to the interest of an individual.
“Yes, two days ago, Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative from Ogugbolo, Gokana, Agba-Egbema Ndoni, Borno, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, Ahoada-East resigned to join three of their members who had earlier resigned.
“These members are Kinikawa Amada of Port Harcourt Local Government, Daddy Green of Ahoada-West, Elder Ogolo of Opobo-Nkoro LGA, and Agumuo Eze of Oyibo LGA. We want the public to know that the GDI is the movement, the association, the group founded by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike. He founded that group.
“That group brought him to power. That group supported him for a second term. That group is his strength. Whoever he is today, it is because of the GDI. However, today, we have all collectively decided that we are no longer members of that group.
“The reason is that we want to stand with the people of Rivers. Rivers’ interest is paramount. When we started GDI in 2012 and 2013, we were told to stand for Rivers’ interest. What was Rivers’ interest then? We were told to ensure the protection of our brother-in-law, the President of Nigeria at that time, who happened to marry our beloved daughter, Patience Jonathan.
“That was Rivers’ interest then, and we all supported that interest, which led our chief, our leader, to become the Governor. In his second term, the interest was that people in Abuja said it should not happen, but Rivers’ interest demanded it.
“People died, blood was shed, those who survived did so with injuries, and those who were killed, may their souls rest in perfect peace. He won that election. We stood firm for Rivers State and the entire nation.
“We do not care who the Governor is. A fight against any youth in this state is a fight against the entire state. All the youths of Rivers State will stand against you. The fight against Edison Ehie, because he stood for the truth… all of us are willing to stand with Edison Ehie, even unto death.”
Fubara vs Wike