Wike Makes Tinubu’s Ministerial List For Rigging Rivers Election, says Atiku

Jul 3, 2023

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By Doris Israel Ijeoma

Allegations have been raised against President Bola Tinubu by Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate. According to Shaibu, Tinubu is allegedly planning to offer a ministerial position to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State.

Starnews Nigeria reports that President Tinubu is expected to present his list of ministers to the Senate for approval. However, Shaibu has expressed concerns, suggesting that the appointment of Wike is a gesture of gratitude from Tinubu to Wike for his alleged involvement in manipulating the presidential election in Rivers State in favour of Tinubu.

Shaibu strongly believes that the election results in states like Rivers State were not credible, and he emphasized that the entire process was tainted. He also pointed out that there is an ongoing petition against Wike, which has garnered almost 300,000 signatures, as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction regarding his alleged misconduct during the election.

In a signed statement, Shaibu stated, “The Presidential election in Rivers State was clearly rigged, as evidenced by the data uploaded on IREV by INEC. To date, almost 300,000 Nigerians have signed a petition on change.org, calling for visa bans against Governor Wike.”

He further expressed his disappointment in Tinubu’s apparent decision to reward Wike with a ministerial position for what he views as a “disgraceful election.” Shaibu also questioned Tinubu’s credibility, given his previous claim of fighting for the actualization of June 12.

These allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the implications of granting ministerial appointments as a form of appreciation for alleged electoral interference.

If indeed President Tinubu proceeds with Wike’s appointment, it may fuel further debates on the transparency and fairness of Nigeria’s electoral system. Critics argue that such actions could set a troubling precedent, where political figures may be rewarded for undermining the democratic process rather than facing consequences for their actions.