PDP Governors Dismiss Wike’s Threats As Irresponsible, Reaffirm Support For Governor Fubara
The forum had previously expressed support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to recognise him as the rightful leader of the party in the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has condemned the threats made by former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing them as “unbridled and irresponsible.”
The forum had previously expressed support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to recognise him as the rightful leader of the party in the state.
In response, Wike issued a statement at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, vowing to take firm action against PDP-controlled states that threatened his political structure in the state. He warned that he would not hesitate to take drastic measures, stating, “I will put fire in their states.”
The PDP Governors’ Forum has subsequently denounced Wike’s threats as “completely unacceptable” in a statement issued by its Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, on Tuesday.
The forum’s response emphasises the need for constructive dialogue and respectful communication within the party, rather than resorting to threats and intimidation.
The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) under the chairmanship of H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkarim Mohamed (CON) and Governor of Bauchi State and all the member-Governors has been drawn to a widely circulating news story in which the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, H.E. Barrister Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State, made scathing and threatening comments 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.
“The statements and threats to peaceful coexistence made by Wike to ‘Put fire’ in the PDP-controlled States are unbridled, irresponsible and without ambiguity unacceptable as it undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party.”
The forum described as “rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”
The forum vowed to support its members individually and collectively, noting that what affects one member affects all.
It noted that Wike also enjoyed the tradition during his time as Rivers State governor.
It said, “Thus, we, therefore, maintain that 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.
“We wish to emphasise that neither is the position of the Forum personal nor does it by any stretch of the imagination undermine the relevance of any stakeholder in the party. Rather, as loyal party faithful, members of the Forum remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centres of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State, and guard against distracting the Governor in the prosecution of his mandate. Wike benefitted wholly from that arrangement.”
The forum, however, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborating with the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that Governor Fubara of Rivers State receives all entitlements and privileges due to him as a governor elected under the PDP platform, both at the state and national levels.
The governors emphasised that their dedication to party unity is paramount, underscoring that the PDP has consistently prioritised unity and collective progress. They noted that their recent actions, including their support for Governor Fubara, demonstrate their steadfast commitment to upholding these principles.
By reaffirming their commitment to party unity and cooperation, the PDP Governors’ Forum aims to foster a cohesive and collaborative environment within the party, ultimately promoting the collective advancement of the PDP.
