The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning against any attempts to wrest control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers State.
The former Rivers Governor made it clear that he would fiercely resist any interference from other PDP governors, promising to respond with political consequences in their respective states.
Wike’s bold declaration comes amid ongoing tensions within the PDP in Rivers State. According to PUNCH Online, the PDP governors had recently convened in Taraba State on August 23 to address the internal party conflict in Rivers.
During the meeting, the governors reaffirmed their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and called for a review of the party congress results to restore his leadership position.
Speaking at the PDP Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday during the party’s state congress, Wike cautioned his fellow PDP governors to refrain from meddling in the affairs of the party in Rivers. He emphasized that the control of the PDP structure in the state would remain firmly in his hands.
“Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of PDP from us,” Wike declared. “But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see, you take.”
Wike also hinted that some governors, emboldened by recent financial gains, might be underestimating his resolve.
“Because I heard they got some money from a signature bonus, and so their heads are getting big that you will put a hand in my own state. Prepare because I have the capacity to also do the same thing in your own state,” he warned.
His message was unequivocal:
“Whether you are from Bauchi, I don’t give a damn, whichever state you are from, as far as I know, that you are trying to put yourself in Rivers State, your hand will get burnt, and you will never sleep in your state.”
The PDP in Rivers State has been embroiled in a crisis following a fallout between Wike and his successor. Notably absent from the congress was Wike’s predecessor, a sign of the deepening rift within the party.
The event was attended by several key figures, including serving and former lawmakers at both federal and state levels, ex-council chairmen, and other loyal party members.
Wike’s statements have undoubtedly heightened the political stakes, leaving observers to watch closely how this power struggle will unfold within the PDP.
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