Wike said Buhari attempted to scuttle the 2019 governorship election in the state.
Governor Nyesom Wike has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi of meddling in the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State.
SaharaReporters reported that President Buhari vowed on Tuesday that he would protect the Nigerian masses from being intimidated by wealthy and influential citizens.
He assured Nigerians that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will leave strong political institutions that reflect their choices, through non-interference in elections.
The President cited the outcome of governorship polls in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun states won by opposition parties as indicators, a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity said on Tuesday.
The President, who received members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the State House, noted that non-interference in elections gives credence to the political process, ensures participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party respects the electorate.
President Buhari said APC, under his leadership, will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matters in choosing political leaders at different levels.
“I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that we will allow them to vote who they want.
“We all witnessed what happened in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. What happened in those states gives me a lot of hope that we are succeeding,” he said.
However, Wike countered the President in what appears as a response to Buhari’s statement.
Wike who spoke Wednesday during the flag-off ceremony of the construction of internal roads in Igwuruta, Ikwerre council area, said Buhari attempted to scuttle the 2019 governorship election in the state.
"I heard Mr President said yesterday that he will not interfere (in the next general elections). He told the governors he will not interfere,” Wike said.
Wike, however, countered that, saying, “In the other one (in the 2019 governorship election), you interfered by sending people to come and finish us in Rivers State.”
The governor accused Buhari of using the military to intimidate the people of Rivers.
“Of course, he interfered last time by using the army through the former minister of transportation (Rotimi Amaechi) but the people stood up and said ‘no, this will not happen’.
“I thank Mr President that he wants to leave a legacy of conducting a free and fair election,” Wike said.
Wike boasted that without the President’s interference, defeat is sure for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“Thank you, Mr President, for saying you will not interfere or intimidate anybody, which means there’s no way for your party,” he added.