National Vice-Chairman, South- South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Orbih has defended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike‘s role in the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led federal government, saying it is a ‘non-issue’.
Orbih, who stated this in an interview published on Sunday also said the PDP cannot dictate to him who to associate with.
The Edo State-born political stalwart said he has friends across political parties and has no plans to jettison his friendships.
He said, “Let me make it abundantly clear here that my membership of PDP cannot determine those who are my friends and those who should be my enemies.
“If at my age, I now belong to a political party and the party tells me, this man cannot be your friend…
“I have friends across board. I have friends in Labour Party, I have friends in APC, I have friends in many other parties, but that doesn’t affect my membership and commitment to the PDP.
“I want to say it very clearly, PDP cannot determine my friendship with Barrister Nyesom Wike, a very dependable, hard-working friend of mine.”
Orbih said Wike duly informed relevant organs of the party before accepting to serve in Tinubu’s government, insisting that the former Rivers governor is serving the Federal Government and not APC.
Orbih said, “You see, we must be very careful about how we treat members. I’ve told you now that his participation in this government is not an issue, except for those who are mischievous.
“Because when he was given an invitation to serve in this government, he wrote to every critical organ of the party, informing them that Mr. President has invited him to be part of his government.
“Let me see the evidence by any of these bodies that met after he was given this appointment to say, “Please don’t be part of this government”.
“I’m also aware, not too long ago, the members of the Board of Trustees met him in his official residence. Throughout that meeting, none of them raised this issue.
“So, Wike, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is not working for APC; he is working for the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
