Bribery allegations by GOC false – Wike
Wike Says PDP Defeated Army GOC, Political Opponents in Rivers Election
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defeated its political opponents in the 2019 general elections despite what he described as efforts by the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamil Sarham, to influence the political process.
Wike also rejected allegations that he attempted to bribe the GOC, describing the claim as false and an attempt to divert attention from other accusations he had made against the military officer.
The governor spoke during the valedictory session of the Rivers State Executive Council, after which he announced the dissolution of the cabinet.
Wike said Sarham had recently appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Army but, according to him, did not raise the alleged bribery issue during that appearance.
He argued that this supported his position that the allegation was unfounded.
The governor also repeated his earlier allegation that the GOC was involved in illegal oil bunkering activities, a claim that had been disputed by the military authorities.
Wike thanked members of his administration for standing by him during the politically tense period surrounding the elections.
“I thank you for the political support you gave me when there was no hope,” he said, adding that despite threats that his mandate would be challenged at the tribunal, the PDP had prevailed at the polls.
He maintained that his political opponents could not defeat the PDP through elections in Rivers State.
Reflecting on the performance of the dissolved State Executive Council, Wike praised commissioners and other officials for contributing to the achievements recorded by his administration.
He described working with the cabinet as a rewarding experience and said the government’s accomplishments were made possible by the efforts of its members.
The governor also indicated that some members of the dissolved Executive Council could be reappointed when a new cabinet was constituted.
