The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has slammed the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, over his statement against Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.
CEOAFRICA had reported that Ayu had said he has the power to stop Ortom and others from contesting in the 2023 elections.
However, Wike, while briefing newsmen at his private residence in Port Harcourt on Sunday said Ayu lacks integrity, describing him as corrupt.
He said; “I heard when he said ‘I would have stopped Ortom from running. You see how ungrateful human beings are. This was the same Governor Ortom, who pleaded with us, and said  listen, ‘I can take this risk and let him become the national chairman.''
“This is a man, who never campaigned anywhere. This is a man who never bought form, or bought a poster. Now, he is threatening to stop the man who brought him, who became his guarantor.''
“He (Ayu) has seen money, he has seen power, now he can open his mouth to say if he wants to stop Ortom he would have. But we dare him. And he said he can also stop any contestant. He doesn’t know anything. I dare him.''
“He (Ayu) is just playing to the gallery. He does not have what it takes. He doesn’t have it.''
“We know that he has shown that the PDP cannot change since he is still presiding over PDP.''
“Ayu has no integrity. It is a terrible thing. This is not the Tivs I read about in history. This is one Ayu is no.”
Giving further reasons why Ayu was not ready to resign, Wike said: “Why is he (Ayu) not going to resign? He is hoping that Nigerians will donate money to the party so that he will superintend over that money.”
The Governor also rebuked Atiku’s spokesman, Dele Momodu, for cautioning him and members of his group not to cross the redline.
He said; “These are the things I am talking about. When did he (Momodu) come into the PDP? He came into the PDP two weeks before the presidential race.  All of you know how many times Dele Momodu has been in Port Harcourt for project commissioning.''
“I have said I will remain in the PDP and fight for our rights. I will not leave the party, and that is what makes the difference. Check them, what are their votes?
I am not looking for a job. I am not looking to be a minister. When you see most of the people around, they have no job. At the appropriate time, we will begin to tell them who they are. Most of them are con men.”