“Our Support For Fubara is Irrevocable, As We Will Not Allow Him Distracted, Denied Privileges Of His Office” – PDP Governors

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  on Tuesday September 3, 2024,  berated the Federal Capital Territory Minister,  Nyesom Wike ,for his unguarded utterances.

The Source reports that the former  Rivers State Governor, had, last weekend at a gathering of some of  his supporters at the PDP Secretariat in Port-Harcourt  boasted that he would ignite crisis  in any state across the country ,where their Governors are perceived to be siding with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara ,in his determination to decimate his PDP structure in the State .

Wike has been embroiled in a supremacy battle with his godson ,Governor Fubara,  since December last 2022.

But in a statement issued by the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, the Governors said Wike’s statement represents a clear threat to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

They described Wike’s outburst as a display of unbridled irresponsibility, and totally unacceptable to the civilized world. The Forum noted that it also undermines efforts at building and maintaining peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party.

The Governors noted that the statement credited to Wike is all the more unfortunate, considering that it came from someone who was not too long ago a member of the Forum.

“The Forum has always maintained ‘A touch One ,Touch All’ philosophy and individually, and collectively stand by and support each other, no matter the circumstances –

a tradition Wike tremendously enjoyed in his days of travails as Governor.

“Thus, we, therefore, maintain that our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers state ,as unanimously resolved at our 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States respectively are not subject to review by any individual, no matter how highly placed .

“We wish to emphasize that neither is the position of the Forum personal nor does it by any stretch of imagination undermine the relevance of any stakeholders in the party.

“Rather, as loyal party and faithful members of the Forum, remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centre of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State and guard against distracting the Governor in the prosecution of his mandate.

“Wike benefited wholly from that arrangement.”the Forum noted.

The PDP Governors further expressed their commitment towards working with the National Working Committee NWC of the party to ensure that Governor Fubara is not any way distracted, denied of the privileges as conferred on him by his office.

The Governors noted that their commitment to the unity and cohesion of the party, far out- weights any other interests.

“The recent actions of the Governors, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflect their dedication to these values .

“It is crucial for all party members including Wike ,to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal Vendetta.

“The Forum insists that it is incumbent on the National Working Committee of the PDP to invoke both official provisions and unofficial good office platforms to find an amicable solution to the  crisis in its Rivers State Chapter.

“Similarly, if indeed the larger interests of Rivers State is their individual motivation ,the warring parties should allow themselves be guided by a spirit of give and take and eschewing, at all times, the incendiary posturing that inflames passions among their followers” the PDP Governors stated .

According to them, under the present circumstances, it is germane to encourage dialogue and reconciliation .

They maintained that the PDP, as a party has more than enough, internal disputes resolution mechanisms which could be explored to enthrone peace and understanding.

Consequently, the Governors underscored the urgent need for Wike to avail himself ,all the party’s dispute resolution pathways.

The Forum, in the main ,called on all relevant security agencies in the country to take appropriate note of the unguarded and provoking utterances by Wike.