THE NATION

THE Rivers State government on Sunday denied a viral report linking Governor Nyesom Wike to a remark on the pact between the Zamfara State government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Zamfara gold.

Rivers Information and Communications Commissioner Paulinus Nsirim described the report being circulated on the social media as completely false and misleading.

He said: “The purveyors of this barefaced fallacy suggested in their warped story that Governor Wike was unhappy with the decision of the CBN to buy gold from Zamfara State.

“They claimed that Governor Wike, who lamented that the same privileged attention had not been given to the oil from Rivers State, demanded that gold should be made a national cake, adding that he too would proceed to own a gold well in Zamfara State.

“Let us state here categorically that Governor Wike never made such a statement. In fact, we note with a sense of relief that no major, mainstream news media or press organisation, either print, electronic or online attached to Government House, Port Harcourt, carried this concocted story.

“So, it is a wonder where the mushroom, less than credible social media outlets got the comments, which they claimed Governor Wike made ‘while addressing the press’.

“It has indeed become the ugly penchant, in recent times, of some cynical and dubious detractors to drop or insert Governor Wike’s name in their calculated crusade to ignite unprovoked conflict with the hidden ploy to disrupt the recently emerging warm cordiality which has defined the relationship between him and some leaders across geopolitical divides in the country.

“These naysayers have also commenced a devious gambit to insidiously tarnish the overwhelming goodwill which the burgeoning image and reputation of Governor Wike has been enjoying across the country, and this latest story is simply the latest installment of their failed efforts.

“Those familiar with Governor Wike will know that he does not need to resort to such churlish and petty grandstanding, portrayed in the silly story, to speak up on any matter whatsoever.

“The write-up is thus just another figment of the convoluted imagination of its authors. Nigerians are therefore advised to completely disregard the story, especially now that the Federal Government, the CBN and the Zamfara State Government have all come out to speak clearly on the matter and set the records straight.”