Wike will run against you, Nwanyawu warns Tinubu, speaks on National Issues.
The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu has cautioned President Bola Tinubu over the consequences of his long silence concerning issues of National importance.
Speaking during a media chat at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, Nwanyanwu began with a warning to the president about the ploy by the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who he said is gearing up to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential elections.
He warned Tinubu to be cautious of Wike’s intentions, hinting that their current cordial relationship might not last. “Your own Tinubu will be small thing, that will be another regret and he will turn against you. I know what I’m saying, I know him very well and he knows me very well. Wike will run against Tinubu in 2027,” Nwanyanwu asserted emphatically.
Turning his attention to Rivers State, Nwanyanwu criticized the political unrest involving defections and legal battles among state lawmakers.
He argued that lawmakers who switch parties while trying to retain their seats violate Section 109(1g) of the Constitution.
He also condemned the federal government’s perceived support of Wike’s controversial actions as FCT Minister, suggesting that Wike’s political maneuvers could lead to further instability.
Nwanyanwu claimed to have observed Wike’s presidential ambitions through his speeches, suggesting that Wike is committed to running for president.
This revelation sets the stage for an intense political battle as Nigeria looks ahead to the next presidential election. Wike’s potential candidacy could significantly alter the political landscape, challenging the status quo and reshaping alliances within the political arena.
He questioned the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). “We have to interrogate why Nnamdi Kanu is still in prison,” Nwanyanwu stated, pointing out the inconsistency in the treatment of groups involved in similar activities
He highlighted widespread calls for Kanu’s release, including those from notable figures and South Eastern governors, and questioned the federal government’s persistence in detaining him.
Nwanyanwu reiterated his call for Kanu’s release. “We have to interrogate why Nnamdi Kanu is still in prison,” he said. He pointed out the double standards in handling those involved in terrorism and similar agitations. Nwanyanwu referenced the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Nwanyanwu, and other notable figures who have asked for Kanu’s release.
He criticized the government’s decision to keep Kanu detained, attributing it to what he described as ancient hatred for the Igbo people.
“Recently, the five South Eastern governors came together for the first time to ask for his release, but I don’t know what he has done that they kept holding him for agitating like others,” he added. Nwanyanwu also mentioned the extraordinary measures taken to detain Kanu, including his alleged abduction from Kenya.
He noted that since his detention, Kanu has denounced all forms of insecurity in the South East.
Speaking on the issue of the ongoing minimum wage negotiations between Labor and the Federal government, Nwanyanwu adiviced President Tinubu to take a firm Positive decision on it quickly to avert any attempt for Strike action.
He called on the workers to also look at ways to improve the living condition of workers rather than concentrate on increase minimum wage citing options taking by the then Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, which created incentives for workers in the area of subsidized healthcare delivery, transportation and housing and others which can reduce the burden on salaries on a daily basis.
On cost of governance, Nwanyawu expressly called on political office holders to cut down on their cost burden on the state.
According to him “let us cut the cost of governance, it important, a situation where a lawmaker will go home with 16 to 18 million naira monthly, Mr. President is that justifiable in our society today? Cut it to between fifty percent or eighty percent” he bemoaned.
“And that is why I have always said, if you want to be a member of the house of Reps or a Senator, you do not have a house in Abuja, and you don’t have means of transport when you come to Abuja, go and contest for your State house of Assembly in your State” he added.
Also speaking on other national issues, Nwanyawu warned the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to desist from making inflammatory statement against the Senator representing the FCT, Senator Ireti Kingibe.
He pointed out that Wike’s disrespect to Senator Kingibe is a clear act of disrespect for constituted institution as the Senator’s office serves as oversight for the FCT Ministry where Wike is the Minister.
Nwanyanwu’s comments underscore the mounting pressure on the federal government to address these pressing issues as the nation gears up for the 2027 elections.
