Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have fiercely responded to recent comments made by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who threatened to “put fire” in PDP-controlled states whose governors align with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, who made the controversial remarks at the PDP state congress in Rivers State on Saturday, has been locked in a bitter battle with his former political protégé, Governor Fubara, over control of the political structure in Rivers State.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Tuesday, Emmanuel Agbo, Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, labeled Wike’s comments as “irresponsible and unacceptable,” expressing deep concern over the potential destabilization such threats could pose.
“The statements and threats to peaceful coexistence made by Wike to ‘put fire’ in the PDP-controlled states are unbridled, irresponsible, and without ambiguity totally unacceptable as it undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration, and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party,” the statement read.
Reflecting on Wike’s history with the Forum, Agbo noted the irony of the situation. “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 emphasized its longstanding philosophy of unity and mutual support, particularly highlighting how Wike himself benefited from the “Touch One, Touch All” principle during his tenure as governor.
“The Forum has always maintained ‘A TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL’ philosophy and individually and collectively stand by and support each other no matter the circumstances. A tradition Wike tremendously enjoyed in his days of travail as governor.”
The PDP Governors’ Forum made it clear that it stands firmly with Governor Fubara and pledged to ensure that he receives all the privileges entitled to him as a governor under the party’s banner.
The Forum further dismissed any notion that its collective stance could be overridden by any single individual, regardless of their position.
“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,” the Forum declared.
The Forum also urged the heads of national security apparatuses to take note of Wike’s threats, warning that no one is above the law.
“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.”
Stressing the importance of unity within the party, the Forum called on the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to find an amicable solution to the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, urging all involved parties to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
“It is inevitable for us to encourage dialogue and reconciliation continuously. The PDP has established mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts, such as the recently constituted disciplinary and reconciliation committees; thus it is important for Wike to engage with these processes constructively, as dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolving differences and strengthening the party,” the governors stated.
The PDP governors reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of the party and urged all members, including Wike, to work together towards the common goals of the PDP rather than pursuing personal vendettas.
“Our undiluted commitment to the unity of our party is paramount. The PDP has always been a party that values unity and collective progress,” the Forum asserted.
As tensions remain high, the governors’ unified stance signals a firm rebuke of Wike’s incendiary rhetoric, with a clear message: the peace and unity of the PDP will not be compromised by the ambitions of any single member.