PDP firmly declares its unity and resilience, responding to Wike’s allegations. The party emphasizes that no single individual can undermine its solidarity.
A few notable individuals within the Peoples Democratic Party have contested Nyesom Wike, a former Rivers State governor and current Federal Capital Territory minister’s ability to dismantle the party.
During the PDP state congress at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State on Saturday, Wike cautioned fellow PDP governors to refrain from meddling in matters pertaining to their party within his jurisdiction. He went so far as to warn that he would incite trouble in their respective states if necessary.
He declared, “I assure each one of you that as long as we’re alive, nobody will wrest the PDP’s framework from us. However, there are some governors who intend to assume control over our structure and hand it over to someone else.”
“I feel sorry for those governors, as I will ignite flames within their states. It’s unfortunate that when God grants you peace, some individuals reject it and resort to taking anything they desire.”
The remarks made by Wike follow the appeal from Bala Mohammed, who is the Chair of PDP Governors’ Forum, to reassess the outcome of party congress and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s governance. The request was voiced during their conference held in Taraba State on August 23.
Before the Taraba gathering, there was a state of disorder in governance within Rivers State as Wike and Governor Fubara – both members of PDP – had conflicting interests.
The state House of Assembly was torn apart by a party control dispute, resulting in two Speakers who were loyal to either Wike or his successor Fubara.
Despite the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and other notable individuals to reconcile the opposing groups, their attempts have been futile as neither side is willing to put down its weapons.
Abdullahi remarked that at best, those were only his entitled personal beliefs and did not pose any danger to the PDP. Over the course of 25 years, the party has withstood even more sinister plots against it. No individual possesses enough power to bring about an end to the existence of this political organization called PDP as affirmed by Abdullahi.
On Sunday, the Osun State branch of PDP advised Wike to focus on his responsibilities as a minister instead of “intimidating” Fubara’s supporters.
According to Oladele Olabamiji, the Director of Media and Publicity for Osun PDP, Wike’s declaration was both careless and unaccountable.
His words were, “Wike made a rash and irresponsible remark. Governor Fubara is not an outsider; he’s a fellow PDP governor. Therefore, it was inappropriate for Wike to intimidate other PDP governors who show support for their colleague.”
The PDP Governors Forum has the ability to extend aid to any member in need, and it would be inappropriate to criticize them for doing so. We implore these governors to safeguard their fellow colleagues. It is worth noting that Wike does not hold presidential office – he instead holds a position in Abuja which requires his attention. Therefore, he should focus on fulfilling his responsibilities without issuing threats towards others.
Olabamiji stated that while he may be able to occasionally get away with it, such a careless remark would not go unpunished in our current situation.
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The Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Sydney Gbara, urged security agencies to summon Wike for questioning after he made his statements.
It was unexpected for Gbara, a former Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Rivers State, to hear such statements from an elder statesman like the former governor. He emphasized that threatening 13 governors could potentially cause a crisis in the country.
Gbara said that being an elder statesman, it is unlikely for people to anticipate him making such comments.
Gbara stated that if someone threatens to cause crises in 13 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, it is essentially equivalent to planning a nationwide crisis. This holds true from a security perspective.
According to the commissioner, the FCT minister’s statements only offered deceptive optimism to his followers, particularly the former state House of Assembly members who no longer hold their positions.
From my perspective, I perceive it solely as a message of optimism to his dissatisfied followers whom he has repeatedly pledged to deliver favorable outcomes for in the state but failed to fulfill.
It is remembered that he pledged a six-month extension of tenure to the ex-local government chairpersons, but they are no longer holding their positions. He also urged assembly members to switch allegiance to APC and now several have been removed from office.
The message is a glimmer of hope to prevent the appearance of complete failure. However, it would be advantageous if security agencies demonstrated their good intentions for the nation by scrutinizing individuals who make such declarations as they pose a direct threat to Nigeria’s safety and security.
It’s a serious issue when state governors are threatened and promised never-ending governance crisis, effectively prohibiting them from sleeping in their own states.
“We will keep saluting Governor Fubara’s bravery,” stated the commissioner, affirming their allegiance to him.
Fubara’s composure is highly regarded and we take pride in his ability to remain calm. He has shown exceptional maturity and leadership by refusing to be swayed into causing unnecessary chaos for the state.
Gbara responded to Wike’s assertion of being in charge of the PDP structure in the state, stating that Governor Fubara is fully in control. He has a majority of supporters and isn’t competing with anyone for power over any structures within Rivers State.
Regarding PDP, the leader has already been identified and everyone is aware that all congresses held in Rivers State are currently going through legal proceedings. The court with appropriate jurisdiction will determine whether these exercises abide by legal terms or not at the suitable time.
“We do not view it as a problem. The people of Rivers have rallied behind Governor Fubara, and that is where we stand. Ultimately, we are confident he will emerge victorious. As in the past, PDP’s organization in the state will be entrusted to someone deserving; there won’t be any deviations this time either – ergo, our composure.”
It was reported that the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, could not be reached for a response to Wike’s remarks since he had journeyed overseas.
Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, stated that Mohammed will provide a response when appropriate.
He stated that the development must be studied before responding.
Bayelsa State’s Governor, Douye Diri is optimistic that the political turmoil within the party will soon come to an end.
During the PDP state congress in Yenagoa on Saturday, Diri provided assurances.
