In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State expressed his support for former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, stating that Wike has the qualifications to serve as a minister in President Tinubu’s government.
Fayose, who played an active role in the G5 or Integrity Group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the February 25th presidential election, emphasized the importance of appreciating their efforts. He urged President Tinubu to acknowledge the contributions made by the G5 members, including Wike, towards his victory.
Addressing the possibility of Wike’s appointment as a minister, Fayose said, “What is wrong with that? How is anybody affected by that? I don’t want to be a minister, but if Asiwaju (Tinubu) says ‘Fayose, you will be a minister,’ and I agree, what is their headache?”
Highlighting Wike’s qualities, Fayose described him as an articulate and capable individual who possesses the necessary skills to serve Nigeria. He voiced his support for Wike and urged President Tinubu to consider him or any other deserving member of the G5 for a ministerial position.
Expressing his disappointment if President Tinubu fails to appreciate the G5, Fayose added, “Wike must serve. Wike is still a young man. I’m his senior brother; he can’t deny that. Wike is an asset to Nigeria. Wike is never timid; he confronts challenges. Asiwaju needs a man like Wike.”
However, Fayose clarified that the G5 had no intention of defecting from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized the need for the PDP leadership to address internal issues and move forward as a united front.
Referring to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP, Fayose criticized the act, saying, “If he is still decamping, his children must disown him. The Wike I know, forget that Wike will leave the PDP.”
The G5 consists of four former PDP governors — Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers), along with the current governor, Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, is expected to announce his cabinet within 60 days. Speculations have been circulating that Tinubu might include members of the opposition, such as Wike and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)’s flag bearer, Rabiu Kwankwaso, among others, in his cabinet.
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