Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for standing by him during a period of political isolation following his removal as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Oshiomhole disclosed this, yesterday, in Benin City during the handover of 54 construction equipment to the 18 local government areas of Edo State, where he reflected on events that trailed his exit from office.
According to the senator representing Edo North, many members of his party distanced themselves from him after he was dismissed as APC National Chairman.
“After I was dismissed as APC National Chairman, I became lonely, abandoned by my own party. People were afraid to visit me then because it could be termed anti-party,” Oshiomhole said.
He noted that Wike reached out to him at a time when others stayed away.
“But I got a call from a rare Nigerian who identifies with those who are lonely, and he invited me to Port Harcourt to commission a flyover. Can you imagine? And that was not enough, this minister honoured me with the highest honour of Rivers State,” he stated.
Oshiomhole added that although Wike once told him he had “celebrated” his political misfortunes, the FCT minister renewed his hope during the difficult period.
“So, if I dey do yanga, it’s because I have a minister that can identify with me when I was removed from my job,” he said.
He commended Wike’s leadership and political performance, particularly in the recent FCT local government elections.
“If anybody was in doubt, he did the one that yesterday when his party came second after the APC. To take second after APC, no issue. Particularly where some people did not over 100,” Oshiomhole said.
He further described Wike as “the first person from our geopolitical zone, South South, to go to Abuja as a city minister and minister in a way that has refined and redefined the concept of development.”
Oshiomhole appreciated the relationship between Wike and Edo State leaders, saying, “I want to congratulate you. And I want to thank our governor for sustaining the friendship with the Minister of FCT.”
VANGUARD.
