Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, said that coming to Abuja brought back memories of his defeat during the last Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‘s presidential primary in May.
Wike stated this while speaking at a book launch in Abuja. The book “Flowing Justice: Selected Leading Judgments of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court” was written by retired Justice Abdu Aboki and unveiled by Governor Wike.
Wike said: “I want to congratulate once again My Lord, Hon Justice Abdu Aboki JSC for giving me this opportunity to be here and to be the chief launcher.
“But why I said My Lord did not do well is because if he had held this in Lagos or Kano, I would have been happy,” he said.
“When I landed and then passed through the venue. I said I think My Lord intentionally wanted me to remember the 28 and 29 of May of what happened.
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“Well, but life continues,” he said.
He the added that it was his first time visiting Abuja after losing the election.
He further stated that, unlike Governor Bello, who also lost the primary election with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja and still visits Abuja regularly, he had not visited the Federal Capital Territory.
“I am not like Yahaya Bello who lost election here and comes (to Abuja) every day,” he added.
He saluted Justice Aboki’s commitment to the protection of justice and the rule of law, remarking that “Justice Aboki is a consummate jurist who has left his name indelibly in the sands of time and judicial history.
“While judges are of different social, economic and political persuasion, Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki prides himself among the progressive rank that stands up to what is right and just, and believes that the law and the constitution, as interpreted and enforced by the court must both protect and advance the unity and wellbeing of the nation and her citizens.”
While responding to Wike’s statement, the Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, said that Wike and himself are different among the governors in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Governor Bello also commended Justice Aboki for his immense guidance and support for him and his government in Kogi and prayed to God to continue to preserve his life.
Bello noted that though it might seem the country was currently troubled, “no democracy can be perfected as we have it today in the U.S. without encountering challenges.”
Justice Aboki said he felt excited and glad after his retirement in good health and thanked everybody for attending the occasion.
