The statement made by the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, regarding being poisoned at the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been challenged by Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate.
In response to Wike’s revelation about the failure of his kidney and liver resulting from alleged poisoning, Shaibu has put forward a different perspective, News About Nigeria reports.
He asserts that the health issues experienced by the former Governor were a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption rather than food poisoning.
During a special Thanksgiving service organized by his family at the St. Peters Deanery, Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor, Wike claimed that he was poisoned at the PDP secretariat in 2018, leading to the failure of his liver and kidney.
The severity of the situation necessitated his medical evacuation abroad to save his life.
However, Shaibu has expressed disagreement with Wike’s account, suggesting that the former Governor’s health challenges can be attributed to his fondness for alcohol, particularly whiskey.
“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 videos, 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,” he said.
Shaibu called on Wike to stop placing blame on food poisoning but embrace his love for alcohol is responsible for his organ failure including his hoarse voice.
“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?” Atiku’s aide submitted.
