Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his recent statements threatening to “put fire” in their states if they intervene in the political affairs of Rivers State. The governors’ response came in the form of a communique issued after a meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where they described Wike’s threats as “unbridled, reckless, and unacceptable.”
The meeting, chaired by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, was convened to address the escalating political tension in Rivers State. The governors reiterated their unwavering support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, affirming their commitment to ensuring he receives the full privileges and support due to him as a PDP governor.
In a statement read by the Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the governors expressed their collective dismay at Wike’s comments, which they argued undermine efforts to maintain peace and unity within the party. “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,” the communique stated.
The PDP Governors’ Forum emphasized that their stance on the Rivers State issue, as decided in previous meetings in Enugu and Taraba, remains unchanged. They called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to address the situation decisively, ensuring that Governor Fubara is recognized as the rightful leader of the PDP in Rivers State.
In addition to the PDP governors’ response, the North-east Unity Forum (NUF) also condemned Wike’s remarks, describing them as a form of “political banditry.” The group, through its convener, Abubakar Kabir, called for Wike’s removal from his position as FCT minister, accusing him of being a political outcast and a liability to the party.
Kabir stated, “Wike’s recent threats against PDP governors who supported Fubara, and his threat to unleash crisis in the states, demonstrate his dangerous disposition and orientation, which has no place in a civilized and democratic society.”
The PDP Governors’ Forum further urged the national security agencies to take note of Wike’s threats, stressing that no one is above the law. They called for continued dialogue and reconciliation within the party, encouraging all stakeholders to engage constructively with the mechanisms established by the PDP for resolving conflicts.
“Our undiluted commitment to the unity of our party is paramount. The recent actions of the governors, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflect their dedication to these values,” the forum stated. “It is crucial for all party members, including Wike, to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal vendettas.”
The situation in Rivers State remains a critical issue for the PDP, with the party’s leadership and governors working to find an amicable solution that preserves unity and strengthens the party’s position ahead of future elections.
