Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has again accused the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu of corruption and dared him to file a lawsuit against him if he is willing to prove his innocence.
Wike, on Saturday alleged that the PDP Chairman pocketed funds realised by the party from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for primaries in May. The Rivers Governor spoke at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium during the flag-off of the PDP state-level campaigns in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
“Ayu is corrupt. Rivers people are hurt. Ayu, you are fighting corruption, how do you fight corruption? I said you took N1bn. I told you, you took the money we realised from the primaries. Ayu sue me!” a furious Wike said.
“You cannot fight Rivers State and go free,” he added.
The event was attended by Wike and other members of the PDP G5 – Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). Also, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; and former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose graced the occasion.
The G5 has been consistent in its demand that Ayu steps down as PDP national chairman for “fairness and justice”, saying northerners should be the party’s chair and presidential candidate.
Recall that Wike, in October, made similar accusation against Ayu which the PDP chairman denied. Wike has also not provided any proof to back up his allegation.
