Wike Threatens to Take Drastic Action Against PDP Govs Who Interfere in Rivers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning against any attempt to wrest control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers State. Wike, who previously served as Governor of Rivers State, vowed to unleash political turmoil in any state whose governor interferes with the party’s affairs in Rivers.

This declaration comes in the wake of a meeting by PDP governors in Taraba State on August 23, where they addressed the ongoing crisis within the party in Rivers State. The governors reiterated their support for the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. In a communique delivered by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, they called for a review of the recent party congress to reaffirm Fubara’s leadership.

Speaking at the PDP Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday during the state party congress, Wike cautioned the governors to stay out of Rivers State’s political dynamics.

“Let me assure you, as long as we are alive, no one will take the PDP structure from us,” Wike declared. He further warned, “I hear some governors think they can take over the structure and hand it back to someone else. I pity them because I will set their states on fire. If you disrupt the peace God has given you, be prepared for the consequences.”

Wike suggested that some governors had become emboldened by financial gains, specifically referencing a “signature bonus” that had allegedly gone to their heads. “Whether you’re from Bauchi or anywhere else, if you try to interfere in Rivers State, your hand will get burnt, and you will never know peace in your state,” he added.

The crisis within the Rivers PDP has been brewing, particularly following tensions between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara, who was notably absent from the congress. The event saw the attendance of several current and former lawmakers, as well as other party loyalists, alongside the FCT minister.