Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has responded to a veiled threat issued by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amid the growing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor confidently declared that Bauchi is immune to any political “fire” Wike might want to ignite, reaffirming the state’s stability and unity.
The backdrop of this tension involves Wike’s warning to PDP governors siding with Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, in an ongoing political feud. Speaking at a recent PDP congress in Rivers State,
Wike vowed to “put fire” in the states of governors who support Fubara, escalating an already strained relationship between the two leaders.
However, while hosting members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed addressed the situation, emphasizing that no one, not even Wike, could destabilize Bauchi.
“We are together; nobody can put fire in Bauchi,” Mohammed confidently stated. “We have volumes of water that will quench the fire – even my friend Wike, who said so, is only speaking out of frustration. But it is not personal.”
The Bauchi governor’s remarks sought to downplay the situation, hinting that Wike’s fiery rhetoric was a result of political frustration rather than genuine animosity.
Mohammed clarified that while Wike is his friend, leadership duties remain separate from personal relationships.
Governor Mohammed also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of unity and respect within the PDP, recognizing the NWC’s visit as a testament to the party’s strength and shared values.
“This unsolicited visit by the NWC shows that in Nigeria, we have hope, and we are connected by the value and stability of the PDP for peace and stability in our party and in our country,” he said.
He acknowledged that all political parties face internal crises, but stressed that leadership is about addressing those issues within the framework of the law and the party’s constitution.
Mohammed called for unity, respect, and compromise within the PDP, particularly as the party navigates its internal challenges.
“We must respect people, we must put our interests aside, and we must respect our diversity. Our party has pedigree, and most of the development in this country was done by the PDP. When PDP left, nothing was done,” Mohammed added.
Kamaldeen Adeyemi, the PDP’s national legal adviser, echoed the governor’s sentiments, noting that the visit was meant to “identify” with the Bauchi governor and show support for his leadership.
As tensions simmer within the PDP, Governor Mohammed’s calm but firm response underscores his commitment to preserving stability in Bauchi and fostering unity within the party.
While political rifts continue to unfold in Rivers State, Bauchi appears poised to remain unscathed by the conflict, with its governor standing resolute against any external interference.