By Jimitota Onoyume – Vanguard Newspapers
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said he will continue to work with former President Goodluck Jonathan to firmly reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for victory in 2019.The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu on Sunday, said there was no friction between him and the former president and there is no basis for any clash since the party leaders unanimously zoned the various offices.
The statement read in part: “The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and former President Goodluck Jonathan are working together to rebuild the PDP and re-position it for victory in all future elections.
Contrary to the views being canvassed in the reports planted by the agents of the APC in sections of the media, there is no premise for any political disagreement between Governor Wike and former President Jonathan, whom he served as a loyal minister.
The presidential ticket of the PDP has been zoned to the North, while the National Chairmanship of the party is zoned to the South, hence there is no basis for the speculation that there is a conflict where none exists.’’
PDP will emerge stronger from National Convention – Jonathan Also speaking, Jonathan declared that the PDP will become stronger after the party’s December 9 national convention.
Addressing journalists after a visit to Governor Wike at Government House Port Harcourt, yesterday, Jonathan, who commended the governor on his provision of infrastructures across the state, said that an elected National Working Committee will set in motion the preparation for the 2019 general elections.
He said: “God willing, we will go through the National Convention and the party will become solid. You know we have a Caretaker Committee. When you have a Caretaker Committee, you are not as strong as a fully elected chairman. The party passed through some challenges. Luckily for us, we have passed through that phase with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court.”
