The governors chosen on the Peoples Democratic Party platform have denounced former Rivers State Governor and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, calling his threats reckless and uncontrolled.
The PDP Governors’ Forum urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to give Sim Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, his “rightful” place as the party’s leader in the state on August 24. In retaliation, Wike declared over the weekend at the PDP headquarters in Port Harcourt that he would take decisive action against states under PDP control that endangered his authority over the state’s democratic system.
He said, “Let me guarantee all of you that no one would take away the PDP structure from us while we live. But, let me tell you, I’ve heard some governors say they’re going to take over the structure and give it back to someone. “I pity those governors because I shall set fire to their states. When God has given you serenity, you claim you don’t want it; whatever you see, you take.”
In the meantime, the forum condemned Wike’s warning as wholly inappropriate in a statement released on Tuesday by its Director General, Emmanuel Agbo. The statement stated, in part, that “The Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, H.E. Barrister Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, made scathing and threatening remarks regarding member-Governors of the Forum and notes the significant concerns that have been raised in the public space regarding the unity and peaceful coexistence within our party.
This news story has caught the attention of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), under the chairmanship of H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkarim Mohamed (CON), Governor of Bauchi State, and all of the member-Governors.
Wike’s statements and threats to “put fire” in PDP-controlled states are unbridled, irresponsible, and unequivocally unacceptable because they undermine efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration, and mutual respect among party leaders and members. It’s sad that this is coming from a former governor who was a member of this highly respected group.”
The forum underlined its dedication to a “touch one, touch all” philosophy, promising to assist one another on an individual and group level, regardless of the situation.
It carried on “A tradition that Wike greatly relished during his trying days as governor.” Therefore, we maintain that no one, no matter how far up in the hierarchy, may question our position on the PDP’s affairs in Rivers State, as it was unanimously decided at our 2024, Third, and Fourth Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States, respectively.
“We would like to emphasise that the Forum’s position is not personal, nor does it undermine the relevance of any stakeholder in the party.
” Rather, as true party faithful, members of the Forum stay dedicated to the original practice that was designed to maintain order, eliminate conflicting centres of devotion, as exemplified by the scenario in Rivers State, and prevent the Governor from being distracted in carrying out his mandate. Wike benefited greatly from the agreement.
“We firmly pledge to collaborate with the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to guarantee that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State receives all the rights and privileges that come with being elected on our party’s platform at both the state and federal levels.” The governors reaffirmed how crucial it is that they remain steadfastly committed to maintaining party unity.
They emphasised that the PDP has always placed a high value on cooperation and group progress. According to the PDP Governors’ Forum, their recent actions such as supporting Fubara show that they are committed to these ideals.
In Essence
The criticism of Nyesom Wike by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials and governors reflects deep-seated tensions within the party.
Wike’s aggressive rhetoric and threats against other PDP-controlled states underscore a significant internal conflict, especially concerning the control and influence within the party structure in Rivers State.
Wike’s statements about setting “fire” to PDP states attempting to challenge his authority are particularly alarming.
Such rhetoric not only undermines party unity but also poses a risk to the stability and cohesion that the PDP aims to maintain. The PDP Governors’ Forum’s condemnation of Wike’s remarks as “unbridled, irresponsible, and unequivocally unacceptable” highlights the severity of the issue and the potential damage it could cause to the party’s internal harmony.
