The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to reject the new opposition coalition, alleging that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is seeking to destroy the country.
Wike made this statement on Saturday at the 50th anniversary and 35th convocation of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science degree in Political Science.
Wike described the opposition coalition as a group of aggrieved individuals who have nothing to offer the country.
He argued that they are seeking political relevance and are propelling division and propaganda.
The minister recalled that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a decaying system and is working tirelessly to restore it.
LHe assured that the government’s decisions may not be immediately palatable, but joy is inevitably coming.
Meanwhile, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the fear of intimidation by the administration of President Tinubu was preventing state governors from joining the coalition.
Abdullahi described the alleged act of intimidation as a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.
He emphasised that the ADC welcomes everybody and is a movement that has the backing of the majority of Nigerians who are not happy with the direction the country is going.
The Interim National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, raised the alarm that Northern Nigeria was bleeding, adding that his party was the only platform that could address the avalanche of challenges bedeviling the region if voted into power.
Mark emphasised the need for unity and social cohesion in addressing the challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
He called for deliberate, collective, and decisive action to overcome the region’s problems.
A chieftain of the ADC and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, insisted that votes must count in the 2027 general election.
He said that the party would ensure that votes do count as well as counter any malicious activity by the ruling party.
Lawal emphasised that the Northern Political Consultative Group was preparing solutions for the 2027 general election and would elect a leader who has the interest of the North at heart.
The University of Port Harcourt celebrated its 50th anniversary and 35th convocation, conferring a total of 13,861 degrees.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), reiterated the state government’s commitment to delivering quality education at all levels.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, expressed his joy in the institution’s 50-year journey of academic excellence and service to the nation.
