by Isi Esene

Nyesom Wike, former Chief of Staff to the governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has accused him of being corrupt.

Wike, who recently resigned from the Federal Executive Council as Minister of Education in order to contest the gubernatorial elections coming up in February 2015, challenged Amaechi to a debate to prove this allegation.

Wike who hopes to fly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag in next year’s election said this today at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.

He said, “I’ve come to formally inform you, members of the State Working Committee and leaders of our great party of my ambition to vie for the 2015 governorship of our state on the platform of the PDP.

“As you have heard, it was for this purpose I resigned as a member of the Federal Executive Council and I believe that without you, no success can be made.

“I also have come to ask for permission to visit each of the 23 local government areas of the State with my team. I had to inform you before I proceed on such visit to ensure that we achieve our dream.”

Wike pledged to support any candidate who emerges as the party flagbearer after the primaries urging all party members to beware of antics that may be deployed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to lure them away from the party.

In his response, the party chairman, Felix Obuah promised to conduct a transparent primaries devoid of imposition of candidates.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Ibim Semenitari has, however, reacted to the allegations made by Wike saying it does not deserve a response.

She said, “As a former chief of staff to the governor and later minister, Wike position is lower than that of a governor. So, the governor of Rivers State will not dignify him (Wike) with a response,” she said.