The Governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have described as irresponsible, the statement credited to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, regarding their support to the state governor Sim Fubara.
Wike who is now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reportedly threatened to “put fire” in PDP controlled states for insisting that the party’s structure should be controlled by Fubara.
But the governors in a statement issued by the Director Genera of PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, said such statement undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party.
They equally called on heads of the national security agencies to invite him for making such threats, arguing that no one is above the laws of the land.
“It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor,” the statement added.
According to the statement, PDP governors have always maintained “a touch one touch all” philosophy, and have individually and collectively stand by and support each other no matter the circumstances.
It reminded Wike that he had “tremendously enjoyed” such privilege in his days of travail as governor.
“Thus, we therefore maintain that our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as unanimously resolved at our 2024, third and fourth meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States respectively are not subject to review by any individual no matter how highly placed.
“We wish to emphasise that neither is the position of the forum personal nor does it by any stretch of the imagination undermine the relevance of any stakeholder in the party.
“Rather, as loyal party faithful, members of the forum remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centres of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State and guard against distracting the governor in the prosecution of his mandate.
“Wike benefitted wholly from that arrangement,” the governors asserted.
They pledged their commitment to working with the National Working Committee (NWC), in ensuring that Governor Fubara is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a governor elected on the platform of PDP, “both at the state and national levels.”
PDP governors also said they were committed to the unity of the party, noting that PDP has always been a party that values unity and collective progress.
“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 vendettas,” they advised.
The statement called on the PDP NWC 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 to be guided by a spirit of give and take and eschewing, at all times, the incendiary posturing that inflames passions among their followers,” the governors further advised.
They called for dialogue and reconciliation, stating that PDP has established mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts.
The governors advised Wike to make use of the recently constituted reconciliation committee towards constructively seeking the resolution differences so as to strengthen the party.