Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has emphasized that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is serving the interests of Nigerians, not those of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an insightful interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, Orbih clarified that the PDP granted Wike permission to participate in President Bola Tinubu‘s administration after he sought approval from the relevant party organs.
He stated that there should be no objections to Wike’s collaboration with the APC-led Federal Government.
“There is no record indicating that the current acting national chairman or any members of the national working committee responded negatively to his letter regarding participation in this government,” he noted.
“Wike reached out to the South-South Zonal executive. During our meeting in Port Harcourt, we unanimously agreed that it was a call to national service, and we supported him.”
“He also contacted the state chapter of his party, receiving a positive response encouraging his acceptance of this important national appointment.”
“Wike informed his ward and Local Government chapters, and no party organ opposed his acceptance of this appointment.”
“He communicated with the Governors Forum, and following their first meeting, a delegation was sent to congratulate him in Abuja,” he added.
Orbih stressed the importance of political parties treating their members with respect.
“His involvement in this government should not be an issue, except for those who are being mischievous,” he remarked.
“Upon receiving the invitation to serve in this government, he notified every critical organ of the party that the President had invited him to be part of his administration.”
“I am aware that recently, members of the Board of Trustees met with him at his official residence, and none raised any concerns during that meeting.”
“It is clear that Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is not working for the APC; he is serving the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, the PDP National Vice-Chairman stated that his relationship with the FCT minister and his acquaintances in other political parties transcends party politics.
“Let me clarify that my membership in the PDP does not dictate who my friends are or who should be my enemies,” he insisted.
“If, at my age, I am told by my party that a certain individual cannot be my friend, then that is fundamentally wrong.”
“I maintain friendships across various political affiliations, including the Labour Party and the APC, yet this does not impact my loyalty to the PDP.”
“It is important to state unequivocally that the PDP cannot dictate my friendship with Nyesom Wike, who is a reliable and hardworking friend of mine,” he concluded.
