PDP Governors Criticize Wike, Affirm Fubara as Rivers State Party Leader

Tensions rise as PDP governors rebuke Nyesom Wike and strongly assert that Siminalayi Fubara is the rightful leader of the party in Rivers State. Explore the political dynamics at play.

On Tuesday, the Governors who were elected under the Peoples Democratic Party expressed their strong disapproval of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s alarming vow to unsettle their respective states due to their allegiance towards Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State.

Emmanuel Agbo, the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, released a statement on Tuesday containing their response.

The ongoing political feud between Wike and his former protégé, Fubara, has escalated. During a recent meeting of the PDP governors, they threw their weight behind Fubara and asserted that he should be given leadership of the Rivers PDP party.

Last weekend in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed his displeasure over the governors’ intervention and cautioned them to refrain from getting involved in Rivers affairs. He also threatened that if they did not comply with this warning, he could stir up trouble within their respective states.

In Agbo’s statement on Tuesday, the PDP governors responded to him by dismissing Wike’s threat as hollow.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, headed by H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkarim Mohamed (CON) of Bauchi State and comprising all member-governors, has taken notice of a widely circulated news story in which the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister for Federal Capital Territory, H.E. Barrister Nyesom Wike made menacing comments aimed at members of our forum. We are concerned about the public’s perception regarding cohesion and harmony among party members.”

Wike’s unbridled and irresponsible statements and threats to “put fire” in PDP-controlled states undermine efforts towards peace, cohesion, collaboration, and mutual respect amongst party leaders and members. It is unacceptable without ambiguity as it comes from someone who was once a respected member of the forum as a former governor.

The PDP governors affirmed their endorsement of Fubara as the new leader of PDP in Rivers, pointing out that Wike was similarly granted such privilege during his governorship.

Our stance on the matters regarding PDP in Rivers State, which was collectively ratified during our 2024 assemblies held in Enugu and Taraba states, remains immutable and impervious to any person of high-standing who may seek a review.

It is important to stress that the forum’s position is not personal and does not in any way detract from the importance of stakeholders within our party. As loyal members, we are committed to upholding practices that ensure order, eliminate conflicting loyalties exemplified by what happened in Rivers State, and prevent distractions for Governor Wike as he fulfills his duties. It should be noted that this arrangement has greatly benefited him.”

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According to the governors, they have a steadfast commitment to collaborate with the National Working Committee of their party to guarantee that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State receives all due entitlements as an elected governor under their party, both at state and national levels.

The importance of the NWC doing the right thing to address and settle Rivers State’s political crisis was emphasized.

“It is imperative that all members of the party, including Wike, collaborate towards shared objectives instead of pursuing personal grudges.”

It is the forum’s belief that it falls upon the National Working Committee of the PDP to utilize both official provisions and unofficial means for resolving the conflict present in its Rivers State division.

Likewise, if the primary concern of Rivers State is their personal interest, then both conflicting parties must adhere to a cooperative attitude and avoid any form of provocative behavior that ignites emotions among their supporters. This requires being open-minded and willing to make compromises for the benefit of all concerned.

We must continuously promote dialogue and reconciliation, as it is unavoidable. The PDP has implemented measures to address grievances and conflicts through the establishment of disciplinary and reconciliation committees. Therefore, Wike’s constructive engagement with these processes is crucial since they offer pathways for resolving differences and enhancing party unity.

Hassan Hyat, the Chairman of Kaduna State PDP, has warned Wike not to sabotage the party he played a role in constructing.

On Tuesday, during an interview with our correspondent in Kaduna, Hyat – a previous Minister of Aviation – criticized Wike’s warning to PDP governors and deemed it as “unusual and uncooperative.”

Wike ought to recall that during his tenure as governor, fellow governors supported and safeguarded one another. This remains unchanged even now. Rather than instructing them to abstain from involvement, Wike should have considered seeking their backing by viewing the situation through this lens.

Hyat expressed a firm conviction that instructing individuals to keep their distance during times of system vulnerability, despite the intended benefits, is ill-advised. In the event of failure within said framework, no one profits. Hyat considers it inappropriate to take any actions or utterances which might result in such an undesired consequence.