The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a response to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, following his recent threat against party members amid ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.
Wike, while addressing attendees at the PDP state congress held at the party’s Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 31, 2024, warned that he would “put fire” in the states of PDP governors who support his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Tensions between Wike and Fubara have escalated since Fubara assumed office in 2023, with the two leaders clashing over control of state affairs.
Wike’s warning came after the PDP Governors Forum publicly sided with Fubara in the ongoing dispute. He asserted, “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors, who say they will take over the structure and give back to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace — anything you see you take.”
PDP’s Response
In response to Wike’s remarks, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed the situation during a press conference in Abuja. He emphasized that no individual within the party is above its collective authority. “What I can tell you is that nobody is above this party. It is the People’s Democratic Party,” Ologunagba stated.
He also highlighted the party’s efforts to manage the internal conflict, noting that reconciliation and disciplinary committees have been established to address the issues. “We have set up bodies and given them the mandate to do the job. We will wait for their report,” he added.
Despite his long-standing affiliation with the PDP, Wike accepted a ministerial role in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the end of his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, further complicating his relationship with his party.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/