River State Governor, Nyesom Wike has revealed that he does not have anything against members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Nyesom Wike Speaks On IPOB
The governor, who spoke during an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, said he supports the agitation of the IPOB, but he’s against the violent activities linked to the group.
Wike wondered where his critics were when he publicly supported the cause of IPOB’s agitation, recounting how IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was singing his praises over his support.
He added that his problem with IPOB started when they allegedly came to Rivers to set ablaze government properties and force their membership on the residents of Rivers.
When asked if IPOB poses a threat to him, Wike said, “Why will they be a threat to me? It is because of the division in this country today that we have never had this country being divided this way.
“What pains me is that people take politics to think that I want to use this opportunity to fight this person. There came a time IPOB was singing praises about Wike. This Nnamdi Kanu was singing praises (that) Wike is our son.
“Why? I said to the federal government there is nothing wrong with people agitating. What is important is to listen to their agitations. What are they talking about? Sit down with them. Talk with them.
“My problem came, which I will not compromise with. They came to my state and burnt every infrastructure — the courts and police stations.
“The state put money in building the courts and everything; you came and burnt everywhere. Not only are you burning everywhere, you said we (referring to Rivers state) are part of you. And I said ‘no, don’t do that’. That is not correct.
“I support the agitation. I support that there is injustice against the south-east, whether anybody likes it or not. We should sit down and discuss it. What did I do wrong?
“When you are now coming to say ‘burn everything there (referring to Rivers). We own everything. I’m a governor.
“I asked them a simple question — ‘do you need to kill everybody in my area and burn down the infrastructure simply for me to say I’m with you?’ I said no.”
KanyiDaily had reported how three IPOB Members confessed that they bombed Governor Wike father’s church in order to get recognition in the proscribed group.
