Prominent Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has called for the immediate expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to save the party from its current challenges.
In a letter addressed to PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and dated August 20, 2024, Clark urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to thoroughly investigate Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, particularly concerning the political crisis in Rivers State. He recommended that Wike face appropriate sanctions, including expulsion, if found guilty.
Clark, who served as a First Republic information minister, expressed deep concern over the future of PDP, warning that the party was at risk of extinction if Wike’s alleged excesses were not curtailed. He emphasized the need for decisive action to prevent individuals from acting above the party’s laws and causing further harm.
“The purpose of this Open Letter, therefore, Mr. Acting National Chairman of PDP, is to call on you to immediately set up a probe panel/committee to probe members like Barr. Nyesom Wike, and if found guilty, to face the appropriate sanctions as prescribed by the party’s constitution,” Clark stated in his letter.
He criticized the party’s current approach, arguing that the recently established reconciliation committee under the chairmanship of Maj. Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola was insufficient to address the party’s issues. Clark pointed out that the G-5, a faction of the party that Wike was part of, had largely disintegrated, with some members, like the Governor of Oyo State, returning fully to the party.
Clark also accused Damagum of undermining the party by taking legal actions that conflicted with the party’s interests and constitution. He urged the Acting National Chairman to purge himself of any malfeasance and to stop colluding with Wike, warning that a day of reckoning would come for all involved in undermining the party.
Meanwhile, PDP has announced the inauguration of its recently constituted reconciliation and disciplinary committees. The 25-member reconciliation committee, chaired by former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and the 26-member disciplinary committee, chaired by Chief Tom Ikimi, will be officially inaugurated on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The disciplinary committee includes notable figures such as Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Chief Olabode George, Margaret Icheen, Dr. Sam Egwu, and Alhaji Abubakar Baraje. These committees are expected to play a crucial role in addressing internal conflicts and restoring order within the party.
