PDP berates Wike’s ex-aide over alleged attack on governor

Austin Tam

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has berated the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, over his comments on the recent revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy of Novotel, Port Harcourt by Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike.

Tam-George, who resigned his appointment about two months ago, described the revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy of the hotel as disappointing and saddening.

But, Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Felix Obuah, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, accused the former commissioner of blackmailing Wike because of his quest for wealth and position in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obuah said, “The PDP, referring to a statement credited to the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Austin Tam George, still on this matter, in which he (George) described the Governor’s action as ‘unjustifiable’ and ‘irresponsible’, noted that it is quite unfortunate that the former commissioner could not hide his quest for wealth, position he is seeking in the APC and mission to blackmail his former principal.

“The PDP observed that dealing with a chameleonic man, like Mr. Austin Tam George, who has a kaleidoscopic character: very unstable and speaks from both sides of his mouth, is a heinous task, and therefore calls for caution.”

He stated that there is no cause for alarm; regarding concerns raised by peoples over the governor’s action in revoking the C of O of Novotel hotel.

Insisting that the action of the governor was not in any way attempt to demarket Rivers State, the PDP chairman explained that no sensible and responsible government or head of government will sit and watch anyone or institution engage in acts or be used in perpetrating acts that threaten the prevailing peace and security in its domain.

Obuah further explained that what all genuine investors and business entrepreneurs desire is a peaceful and conducive environment to operate, which Wike has achieved and is being sustained in the State, adding that allowing any person or group of persons, including someone that ought to carryout legally approved business activities, conduct himself or itself in a manner capable of throwing the State into chaos, is absolutely unacceptable.

He said, “We stand by the decision and action of the Governor (Wike), convinced that what took place that Saturday, during the APC fictional congress and what happened there during the re-run legislative elections in the State on December 10, 2016, are what actually would drive investors away, not the revocation of C of O of a business operator that allowed its premises to be used as a den for illegalities, which also constitute a threat to other business operators in the State and potential ones.”