Senator Magnus Abe has urged Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to stop wasting both his energy and the state’s resources on efforts to prevent the scheduled rally by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, on April 12th.
Abe expressed his disbelief on his verified Facebook page that the Bayelsa government had gone to such lengths to stop Wike from attending the event, despite the Minister clarifying that he had no intention of visiting the state.
He pointed out that, despite Wike’s clarification, the controversy had continued to escalate in Bayelsa.
Abe also referred to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens, including Wike.
He reminded Diri that he could not stop Wike from visiting Bayelsa whenever he chose, just as the Bayelsa Governor freely visits Rivers State whenever he wishes.
Abe said: “I have been observing the ongoing frenzy concerning the invitation extended to the FCT Minister to visit Bayelsa, and the Wikephobia that seems to have gripped the state.”
“From the Governor to elders, courts, community leaders, and political figures, everyone seems to be holding meetings and press conferences to prevent one Nigerian Minister from visiting the state.”
“Even though Wike has stated that he has no plans to visit Bayelsa, that statement hasn’t been enough to calm things down.”
“Well, my simple advice to the Bayelsa State Government is this: Save the money spent on anti-Wike press conferences, court cases, and use it for the benefit of your people.”
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees all Nigerians, including Nyesom Wike, the freedom to move freely within the country.”
“The day Wike chooses to visit Yenagoa, he will, just like Governor Diri visits Port-Harcourt and Abuja whenever he desires.
“As leaders in the South-South, let us learn to use our phones. A simple phone call from Governor Diri to Minister Wike could have spared the state all of this unnecessary turmoil and expenses.
“It’s time for us in the South-South to rethink our approach. We could achieve so much more if we focused on cooperation and collaboration.”
