Ayu: How Ortom, Ikpeazu suffered for their loyalty to me – Wike reveals

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday revealed how Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his Abia State counterpart, Okezie Ikpeazu suffered for their loyalty to him in the demand for the resignation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

Wike claimed the Governors were denied loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) meant for their states because of their loyalty to him.

He stated this in Umuobiakwa community of Abia State during his speech in celebration of the 58th birthday of Governor Ikpeazu on Tuesday where he was the special guest of honour.

Naija News reports former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose was also in attendance.

The Rivers State Governor threatened to reveal the individuals who think they own Nigeria and are responsible for the harsh treatment of the two Governors at a later date.

According to him, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt every state including Rivers got their share of the CBN money but that of Benue and Abia were blocked because of the Governors’ loyalty to him.

Wike said: “I will tell you very soon, how money that was supposed to come to Abia State for my friend to use to develop Abia State was stopped recently by those who think they own this country, by those who think Ikpeazu did not support them. Because Ikpeazu supported me, they went and stopped Abia State from getting the money they are supposed to get to develop Ariara market.

“Okezie Ikpeazu is just governor of Abia State. He is not the owner of Abia State. He is just a symbol of Abia State. Anybody who fights Abia State, you’re not fighting Okezie, you are fighting the people of Abia.”

Even Buhari Never Stopped Our Money

Speaking further, Wike slammed those he accused of stopping the money, highlighting that even though he constantly criticizes President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian leader never blocked funds meant for his state.

He said: “I will tell all of you, how Abia and Benue states were denied their money that every State had gotten from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I got it (CBN loan). And anybody who dares to stop my money, they know, I will not take it from them. You can see how people are wicked, they are not in office yet, but they are fighting people, stopping States money.

“Even as we have criticised President Muhammadu Buhari, he has never stopped our money any day, never.”