PDP govs knock Wike, insist Fubara is Rivers party leader
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) yesterday warned the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to desist from making inflammatory remarks capable of destabilising the party
Its Director-General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, said in a statement that Wike’s threat to the Forum constituted a threat to the unity and peaceful coexistence in the party.
Wike, a PDP chieftain, had fired salvos at the governors for taking sides in the protracted Rivers crisis, saying that he would create crisis for them in their respective states.
However, taking exception to the remarks, the Forum said Wike’s threat to “put fire” in PDP-controlled states, are “unbridled, irresponsible and totally unacceptable.”
According to the body, the former governor was undermining efforts at building and maintaining peace, cohesion, and mutual respect among party leaders and members.
The forum lamented that Wike was throwing stones at the Forum he belonged for eight years.
It added: “The Forum calls on the heads of the national security apparatuses to take note of threats by Wike to stoke the fire of violence at the sub-nationals as no one is above the laws of the land.
“It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”
The forum reiterated its commitment to the “TOUCH ONE, touch all” philosophy, which has been a cornerstone of its solidarity and mutual support, adding that Wike, who had greatly benefitted from this tradition during his tenure in office should not disrespect the group.
Reiterated it’s determination to work with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Forum said: “Our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as unanimously resolved at our 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba states respectively, are not subject to review by any individual, no matter how highly placed.”
According to the group, Fubara is the leader of the Rivers PDP, adding that he is conferred with leadership privileges.
It stresed: “We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party.”
The Forum urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to find an amicable solution to the Rivers crisis by advising the parties involved to embrace the spirit of compromise and avoid actions that could inflame tensions among their followers.
The forum appealed to Wike to utilise the established mechanisms for conflict resolution, adding that the party has already set up disciplinary and reconciliation committees to resolve the logjam.
It added: “It is inevitable for us to encourage dialogue and reconciliation continuously. Dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolving differences and strengthening the party.”