Wike had pronounced the takeover of the landed property on Akassa Street despite reported plans by the Bayelsa State Government to renovate the structures.
A socio-political group in Bayelsa State, Vanguard for Change, has criticised the outgoing Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for reportedly insulting the people of Bayelsa State over the purported demolition of a property belonging to Bayelsa State in the old GRA of Port Harcourt.
Wike had pronounced the takeover of the landed property on Akassa Street despite reported plans by the Bayelsa State Government to renovate the structures.
The Executive Director of Vanguard for Change, Dr. James Ebitimi, said it was regrettable that Governor Wike had through his action threatened the age-long cordial relationship between the two states.
Dr. Ebitimi, who thanked Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for not exchanging words with Wike, said Bayelsans were very disappointed that Wike started a fight with Diri just like he did with former governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, in 2019.
"What law gives him authority to take over the land of another state government? These two states are supposed to be brothers because we are actually one big old Rivers State. It is Wike that is even hostile to Bayelsa State by attempting to steal our property," he said.
"He should not transfer his political problem or agreement with an individual to the entire state. It is very simple; Wike is fighting Douye Diri because of his failed PDP Presidential ambition.”
“And he seems a frustrated governor by his rantings, picking up quarrels with anyone he believed did not back him. That's even bad politics. He should be warned and should not be used to fight the Lord's anointed," Ebitimi added.
The group however commended the silent posture of Diri “despite the provocation and the fact that Governor Diri's silence on the issue is painful to the loud traits of Governor Wike, it is the best approach to someone who easily forgets who his brothers or sisters are due to ego trips. Silence is indeed golden!"
On the claims that the Bayelsa Government suffers from leadership failure, the group described the claim as laughable and disgraceful.
"This was the same governor Wike was praising for the many developmental projects including the lecture halls he inaugurated during the 2nd anniversary of the Prosperity Government. Wike needs to recover from the 2023 election and move on," he said.
"His kinsmen from Ikwere land, and the right-thinking people of Rivers State, should call Gov. Wike to order. His reign will pass on May 29th, he should stop dropping unresolved baggage at the doorstep of his successor. If he had been supported as the presidential choice of PDP, is this how he would have turned PDP and the country into an abyss of theatrics? Maybe, he would have become "fighting President of Africa and the world".