The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, suffered from self-inflicted alcoholic poisoning, according to his spokesperson.
Atiku expressed his views through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stating that Wike should seek confession rather than thanksgiving, considering his alleged negative role in the election in Rivers State.
Wike had previously revealed that he was poisoned while at the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2018. During a special Thanksgiving service held in his honor at St. Peters Deanery, Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor, on Sunday, he disclosed the severity of the poisoning, which affected his liver and kidneys, nearly claiming his life if not for divine intervention.
However, in a statement, Phrank Shaibu advised Nyesom Wike to moderate his alcohol consumption in light of the revelation that his liver and kidneys failed due to “poisoning.” The statement suggested that the illness was a consequence of self-inflicted harm caused by excessive alcohol intake.
The exchange of statements highlights the ongoing tensions and allegations surrounding Wike’s poisoning incident and serves as a further point of contention between political figures in Nigeria.
He stated, “Governor Wike has always been open about his intense and indubitable love for whiskey. He even said back in March that he was sipping a 40-year-old whiskey with his friends while watching Atiku and others protesting on TV at 11 am.
“Governor Wike has also been seen drinking and dancing in video, including one he did with former Governor Rochas Okorocha. If Wike was indeed poisoned and his organs failed, he ought to be a teetotaller by now and reduce his drinking.
“I am not a medical doctor but it is general knowledge that excessive alcohol consumption leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems; and cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver, colon and rectum.
“Other ailments associated with excessive drinking include: weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick; learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor sexual performance. Wike should look inwards. Let us assume that he was poisoned by food. Was his hoarse and husky voice also caused by food poisoning?
“Governor Wike ought to be doing confessions rather than thanksgiving. Psalm 51:17 says God does not despise a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Wike has not shown any remorse for the many electoral malpractices he has committed.
“Under Wike’s reign, Rivers State – which was famously known as the treasure base of the nation – became Rivers of blood. That is the legacy of Wike. His thanksgiving cannot be acceptable to God unless there is first repentance”, Shaibu said.