By Emmanuel Nduka
Rivers State Governor and presidential hopeful, Nyesom Wike, has lamented that the South East region has been unfairly sidelined from holding presidential power since Nigeria returned to full democracy in 1999.
Wike who preached that 2023 is the year for Presidency to go to the South East region, recalled that in the last general election, it was unanimously agreed that power be given to the North.
The Governor made this remarks on Monday night while he appeared as guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He said this is responsible for the series of agitation and secession threats by separatist groups in the region. While positing that he supports their calls, he advised that they must come to the negotiation table to formally lay bare their demands before Government.
Speaking on the build up to the 2023 elections, Wike blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allowing political parties disregard laid down electoral laws.
“If the law says INEC must monitor primaries, then so be it. INEC must help Nigeria’s democracy to grow. INEC has a role to play to ensure that political parties comply with electoral acts,” he said.
On his chances at next year’s polls, he stressed that getting into office as President of Nigeria does not come on “a plater of gold”.
He recalled that since he began politics, he never won any elective position without a tough fight. He said this has toughened him up for the fight ahead.
Wike added that to solve the many challenges facing the country, state policing must be introduced. He maintained that without a secured country, Nigeria’s economy will not grow.
