Yesterday, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, received a warning from the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) to refrain from making remarks that could cause division within the party.
Wike’s threat to the Forum, according to a statement from the party’s director general, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, was a threat to the party’s unity and peaceful coexistence.
Wike who is a PDP chieftain had threatened to cause problems to PDP governors in their own states if the they chose sides in the drawn-out Rivers conflict.
The Forum, however, objected to the comments and stated that Wike’s warning to “put fire” in states that under PDP rule was “unbridled, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable.”
The body claimed that the former governor was undermining attempts to create and preserve unity, harmony, and respect between party leaders and members.
Wike was hurling stones at the forum to which he had belonged for eight years, the forum bemoaned.
It added: “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.
“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 reaffirmed its dedication to the “TOUCH ONE, touch all” tenet, which has served as the foundation of its unity and mutual assistance. It also stated that Wike, who had benefited enormously from this custom while serving in office, should not treat the group disrespectfully.
The Forum reiterated its resolve to collaborate with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating: “No matter how highly placed, our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State is not subject to review by any individual, as unanimously resolved at our 2024, Third and Fourth Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba states respectively.”
The group claims that Fubara is the Rivers PDP’s leader and that he has been granted leadership rights.
It stresed: “We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party.”
The Forum advised the parties involved to embrace the spirit of compromise and refrain from taking any action that could inflame emotions among their supporters in an effort to encourage the National Working Committee (NWC) to find a peaceful resolution to the Rivers conflict.
The forum urged Wike to use the established dispute resolution procedures, noting that the party has already formed committees for reconciliation and disciplinary action to break the impasse.
It added: “It is inevitable for us to encourage dialogue and reconciliation continuously. Dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolving differences and strengthening the party.”
