The PDP Rivers State has distanced itself from the alleged recordings of Governor Wike in which the governor threatened to assasinate officials of INEC in respect of the recent legislative elections in Rivers State. The said voice recordings of the Governor were released to the media.
A statement from the Party noted that the PDP at the national level was fortunate to have enjoyed the confidence of Nigerians as the first party to operate the new 1999 Constitution, the Money Laundering (EFCC) Act, Electoral Act and other instruments aimed at good governance in the country. It is therefore inconceivable that the Party could descend to a different level in Rivers State. It also observed that under the leadership of past state administration and the Party, there have been peace, security and progress in Rivers State .
It decried the current level of insecurity in the State and called for a new attitude and ‘body language’ from the leadership of all parties in the State; which should be positively disposed to peace and prosperity. However that it is taking this step to assure Nigerians and the world that members of the PDP in Rivers State are not hoodlums, murderous, gansters, cultists and thievesnfc as stories making the rounds indicate. As a result, the voice recorded threats allegedly made by Governor Wike are not to be generalized or attributed to people of the State.
It does not represent the character and content of Party members who are well meaning, law abiding and peace loving people of the State. Rivers people are not killers and thugs as being branded by the press. The statement further called on the law enforcement and Gov. Wike to cooperate and get to the root of authenticating the audio recordings in order for the Governor to clear his name and be in good standing with the Pledge and Oath of Office which he took when he was sworn-in as Governor.
Wike who has since denied the recordings has an urgent duty to remove the shame on Rivers people.
The Party is supreme and has a constitutional duty to act and to reassure all particularly as its members have been asking and seeking explanations. The statement of the PDP further noted that the perceived climate of fear in the State may be causing attrition of it membership and raising challenges to favourable registration of new members.
That such poor branding impacts the economic and investment potentials of the the State. The Party wishes to advice all to remain calm.
The press release was signed by Friday T. (Publicity)