Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner have strongly criticized Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, for his recent threats to destabilize their states. The criticism came in response to Wike’s comments regarding the ongoing political tensions between him and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, the governors condemned Wike’s remarks as reckless and counterproductive. The statement emphasized the importance of unity within the party and reaffirmed the governors’ unwavering support for Fubara as the rightful leader of the PDP in Rivers State.
“The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, under the chairmanship of Senator Bala Abdulkarim Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, has been drawn to inflammatory comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. These statements, which include threats to disrupt peace in PDP-controlled states, are unbridled, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable,” the statement read.
The PDP governors stressed that their support for Governor Fubara is based on a unanimous resolution from recent meetings held in Enugu and Taraba states, and is not subject to review by any individual, regardless of their position. They noted that Wike himself benefited from similar support during his tenure as governor of Rivers State and that it is only fair for Fubara to enjoy the same privileges.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is conferred with all the rights and privileges he is entitled to as a PDP governor, both at the state and national levels,” the statement continued. “It is crucial for the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to address the political crisis in Rivers State and promote unity within the party.”
The governors called for dialogue and reconciliation, urging Wike and all other stakeholders to prioritize the party’s collective interests over personal vendettas. They highlighted the importance of engaging with the party’s established mechanisms for resolving conflicts, such as the newly formed disciplinary and reconciliation committees.
Meanwhile, Hassan Hyat, Chairman of the Kaduna State PDP and a former Minister of Aviation, also weighed in on the situation. In an interview on Tuesday, Hyat cautioned Wike against actions that could harm the party he helped to build. He described Wike’s threats against his fellow PDP governors as “strange and unhelpful.”
“Wike should remember that when he was a governor, his colleagues always supported him and stood by each other. Nothing has changed in that regard,” Hyat stated. “Instead of pushing people away, Wike should seek their support and work together to protect the system. If the system fails, everyone loses.”
The PDP Governors’ Forum and other party leaders continue to call for unity, urging all members to work together to resolve differences and strengthen the party as it navigates through these challenging times.
