Minister Warns PDP Governors Against Interference in Rivers State Politics
The Minister of the interference-in-state-affairs/” title=”PDP Governors Issue Warning: Hands Off My State!”>Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against meddling in the affairs of the party in Rivers state. This warning comes amidst a political power struggle between Wike and Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers state, which has resulted in two factions within the Rivers House of Assembly.
Each faction is loyal to either Wike or Fubara, with each camp electing a speaker. Speaking at the PDP secretariat during the party’s state congress on Saturday, Wike responded to a recent expression of support by PDP Governors’ Forum for Fubara and their call for a review of party congress outcome to restore his leadership role.
Wike warned governors not to interfere with political affairs in Rivers state. He stated that no one would take away PDP structures from them while they are alive and that he would put fire in any governor’s state who tries to do so.
“Whether you are from Bauchi or any other place,” he said, “if you try to put yourself into Rivers State politics, your hand will get burnt.”
Fubara was absent at Saturday’s state congress attended by some serving and past lawmakers at both federal and state levels.
New Developments
- In recent years, there have been several instances where governors have interfered with political affairs outside their states. For example:
- In 2019, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State intervened in Kogi State politics by supporting Yahaya Bello’s re-election bid despite opposition from some members within his own party.
- In March 2021, Governor Samuel Ortom accused his Bauchi counterpart Bala Mohammed of supporting armed herdsmen who attacked Benue communities. This led to a war-of-words between both governors over their respective roles as chief security officers.
- The issue of interference is not limited to Nigeria alone; it is also prevalent across Africa where leaders often use their positions for personal gain rather than serving their constituents’ interests.
Governor Wike’s Fiery Warning to PDP Governors Supporting Fubara: Brace Yourself!
It is no news that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been grappling with internal conflicts and crisis in recent times. One of such issues that have caused ripples in the party is the endorsement of Mr. Desmond Akawor as the new State Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State.
While some PDP governors have backed Mr. Akawor’s appointment, others have lent their support to Mr. Ibinabo Fubara who is also jostling for the position of State Chairman of the party in Rivers State. This rift between the governors has not gone unnoticed by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State.
Governor Wike recently gave a stern warning to PDP governors supporting Mr. Fubara. He warned them to brace themselves for the repercussions of their actions, and also admonished PDP members in the state to adhere to the party’s constitution and rid itself of factions.
This warning by Governor Wike has intensified the tension within the party, especially in Rivers State. This article explores the current situation in the PDP and the implications of Governor Wike’s warning to PDP governors supporting Fubara.
Background of the PDP Crisis in Rivers State
The PDP has been experiencing a series of crises in Rivers State since it lost power in the 2015 general elections. These crises have been fueled by power struggles between different factions of the party within the state.
The crisis escalated in 2019 when the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP dissolved the State Executive Committee led by Mr. Felix Obuah, the then State Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State. Mr. Obuah was accused of leading a faction of the party in the state that was not in line with the party’s constitution.
Following Mr. Obuah’s removal, a caretaker committee was set up to steer the affairs of the party in Rivers State pending the election of new officers. However, the election process was marred with irregularities, leading to the emergence of parallel executive committees in the state.
This situation led to a protracted legal battle which was eventually settled in favor of the Mr. Obuah-led faction.
Implications of Governor Wike’s Warning
Governor Wike’s warning to PDP governors supporting Mr. Fubara has raised concerns about the possibility of a new faction emerging in Rivers State’s PDP. The governor has always been on the path of party discipline and has never hesitated to take a tough stance against party members who violate party rules.
His warning to PDP governors supporting Mr. Fubara is proof that he is still committed to maintaining discipline within the party. However, the warning has also caused some party members to question Governor Wike’s willingness to tolerate dissent within the party.
It remains to be seen how PDP governors supporting Mr. Fubara will react to Governor Wike’s warning. If they choose to ignore the warning, there may be dire consequences for the PDP, particularly in Rivers State.
Benefits and Practical Tips
The PDP needs to find a way to resolve the internal conflicts within the party in Rivers State to avoid further damage to its reputation and prospects. Some benefits and practical tips that could help the party include:
- Reconciliation: The PDP needs to carry out a comprehensive reconciliation process that will bring all factions of the party together. The party should create room for a level playing field for the aspirants, so there will be no rift within the party during or after the primaries.
- Effective Communication: There must be effective communication between the national and state executives of the party. The party should be careful of airing its internal conflicts publicly, as this may create a wrong impression for the public.
- Party Discipline: The PDP should enforce party discipline against members who violate the party rules. This is essential to maintain order within the party.
Case Studies
The PDP Crisis in Rivers State has several case studies that we can draw from. One of such case studies is the emergence of parallel executive committees in the state, which led to a protracted legal battle.
The party needs to avoid such a situation by ensuring that the process of electing new executives is free and fair and is not manipulated by any faction.
First-hand Experience
The PDP Crisis in Rivers State has had a direct impact on the people of the state. The protracted legal battle led to a decline in the party’s fortunes in the state, and this has had an adverse effect on the residents of the state.
Conclusion
The PDP needs to resolve its internal conflicts in Rivers State to avoid further damage to its reputation and prospects. The party should embrace reconciliation and effective communication with its members to avoid creating the wrong impression for the public.
Governor Wike’s warning to PDP governors supporting Mr. Fubara is a reminder that the party must enforce party discipline against members who violate party rules. This is essential to maintain order within the party and avoid a repeat of previous events.All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from MONTAGE AFRICA.
Contact: editor@montageafrica.com
