An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in Rivers, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has questioned the mental state of Governor Nyesom Wike after Wike claimed that the $43.45million found in a Lagos apartment belongs to Rivers Government.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) recovered the suspicious money in different currencies at a residence in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
Wike claimed that the money was the proceeds from the sale of gas turbines by Rotimi Amaechi, who was his predecessor.
Peterside, who is Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and who also served in the Amaechi administration as a commissioner for works and later a member of the House of Representatives, slammed Wike’s claim as deceptive.
He accused the governor of turning governance into a circus show and lacking the sense of dignity by constantly being in the news for all the wrong reasons.
“Not too long ago, Wike apparently suffering from overdose of self delusion said he awarded road projects in far away Benue State and had mobilised contractors to site.
“The same Wike has also accused the Inspector General of Police of plotting to assassinate him through the new CP in Rivers State.
“We thought these were jokes taken too far. But the clownish governor has surprised himself with another tale by moonlight in trying to link his former boss and benefactor to the unclaimed money,” he said.
According to Peterside, there is need to examine Wike’s state of mind because his utterances and actions are embarrassing Rivers people.
“Time and time again, Wike is bringing ridicule to the office he occupies and embarrassing the people of Rivers State who are known to be intelligent, responsible and decent in upbringing,” he said.
The APC chieftain said Amaechi, Minister of Transportation had since denied owning the said house in Lagos and challenged the Rivers Government to provide evidence to the contrary.
Peterside explained that the money realised from the sale of gas turbines was paid into the account of Rivers state and used for projects.
“While Wike can never come near the record of Amaechi, he is doing everything to reverse the unmatchable records of his predecessor.
” As at today, no one has seen copies of 2016 and 2017 budgets of Rivers State. Schools and health centres are shutting down with thousands of school age children out of school,” he said.
“It is people like Wike who have made Nigerians to call to question the issue of immunity in the Constitution. He is taking immunity as shield to abuse the dignity of the office of Governor.
“The governor can still retrace his steps and follow the path of dignity, decorum and respect the office he occupies for he holds it in trust on behalf of Rivers people,” he said.
Peterside also said he had been a victim of the lies being told by the Wike Clan, as he was accused by the PDP chairman in the state, of using $6m to influence judicial officers.
Wike and Peterside contested the 2015 governorship election in the state.
Source – NAN
