The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to apologise to Nigerians over the divisive remarks made by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku had earlier made divisive and controversial remarks that the north does not need any one aside from a northerner to emerge president of the country.
“I know the whole of this country. I have built bridges across this country. I think what the average northerner needs is somebody who is from the north, who also understands the other parts of Nigeria, and who has been able to build bridges across the rest of the country.
“This is what the northerner needs. He (the northerner) doesn’t need a Yoruba candidate or an Igbo candidate. This is what the northerner needs. I stand before you as a pan-Nigerian of northern origin,” Atiku was quoted saying.
Reacting to the comment, Wike said while he doubted the possibility of Atiku making such a statement at a critical time of the nation’s history, such disposition of the presidential candidate would justify his fight for equity, justice and fairness in the PDP.
The Governor made the call immediately he arrived from Spain where he had meetings with other aggrieved PDP Governors known as the G5.
He insisted that the party must urgently address the issue and apologize to Nigerians to protect its integrity.