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Title: Rivers PDP Crisis: Wike Warns Interfering Govs, Fubara Gets Support from PDP Governors
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to governors who want to undermine the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) structure in his state, saying he will “put fire” in their own states if they persist. Wike made the statement on Sunday while addressing a gathering of party supporters at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The governor accused some unnamed PDP governors of sponsoring destabilization plots against him and his administration, and urged them to desist from such acts or face consequences.
Wike’s threat came amid the ongoing crisis within the Rivers PDP over who controls its leadership and structures. The conflict escalated after a High Court ruling last month that nullified the congresses that produced Igo Aguma as chairman of the party in Rivers State. Aguma had been installed by some aggrieved members who opposed Wike’s preferred candidate for the position, Dan Orbih. However, following the court verdict, both factions claimed victory and held parallel meetings to elect new executives.
One of those elected is Desmond Akawor, who was chosen as chairman by a faction loyal to Wike. Akawor was inaugurated on Monday at an event attended by several top officials of the party at national level. In his acceptance speech, Akawor pledged to unite all members and work towards winning future elections for PDP in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, another prominent figure in Rivers politics has received support from some PDP governors across Nigeria amid his feud with Governor Wike over control of local government councils. Chieftain Odiari Princewill Fubara had accused Wike of imposing illegal caretaker committees on councils instead of conducting proper elections as required by law. Fubara also alleged that he was attacked by thugs loyal to Wike during a recent visit to Buguma town.
However, five PDP governors have expressed solidarity with Fubara over what they called ”the brazen violation” of democratic norms and principles by Governor Wike in handling local government affairs in Rivers State. The governors are Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Godwin Obaseki (Edo). They issued a joint statement on Monday condemning any attempt to subvert democracy or impose one-man rule within their party or any state.
The statement reads: “We stand with our brother Princewill Fubara against any form of intimidation or harassment aimed at silencing him or denying him his rights as enshrined under our constitution… We call on all stakeholders within our great party not only to respect due process but also ensure that justice is done without fear or favour.”
The intervention by these governors could further complicate matters for Governor Wike as he seeks re-election next year amid rising opposition from within his own party ranks and other political parties like All Progressives Congress (APC) which won two senatorial seats during last year’s general elections in Rivers State despite being barred from fielding candidates due to internal disputes.
What is the impact of Governor Wike’s warning on the autonomy of political parties in Nigeria?
Wike’s Fiery Warning to Govs: Hands Off Rivers PDP or Face the Flames!
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has issued a strong warning to his fellow governors across Nigeria not to meddle in the internal affairs of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in his state or face severe consequences. The governor declared that the PDP in Rivers State is under his control, and he will not tolerate any interference from anyone.
The warning, which was issued during the inauguration of the PDP State Executive Committee in Port Harcourt on Monday, has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some people see it as a strong stance against political interference, others view it as an attempt to cow those who do not share the governor’s political views.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is evident that Governor Wike is one of the most influential figures in the PDP today and has a massive following in Rivers State and beyond. In this article, we will take a closer look at the reasons behind Wike’s warning, its implications for the PDP and other political parties in Nigeria, and what it means for the 2023 general elections.
Reasons behind Wike’s Warning
According to Governor Wike, his warning was prompted by several attempts by some governors to interfere in the politics of Rivers State, particularly regarding the PDP. He accused some governors of playing godfather roles and trying to impose their preferred candidates on the PDP in his state.
The governor also claimed that some governors had been using state resources to destabilize the PDP in Rivers State, which he described as unacceptable. Wike stated that the PDP in Rivers State had always been an independent entity, and he would not allow anyone to undermine its autonomy for selfish reasons.
Implications for the PDP
Governor Wike’s warning has significant implications for the PDP in Rivers State and other states across Nigeria. Firstly, it reinforces the governor’s dominance and control over the party in his state. This means that any decision regarding the PDP in Rivers State will be subject to his approval, and any attempt to challenge his authority could lead to severe consequences.
Secondly, the warning sends a strong message to other governors in the PDP that they should not interfere in the affairs of the party in other states. This could prevent a repeat of what happened in the 2019 general elections when some governors worked against the PDP in their states, leading to the loss of some crucial elections.
Wike’s warning could also deter politicians from defecting from the PDP to other parties. The governor’s influence and control over the party in Rivers State mean that anyone who leaves the PDP risks losing his or her political relevance in the state.
Implications for Other Political Parties
Governor Wike’s warning also has implications for other political parties in Nigeria, particularly those that are not in power at the federal or state level. The warning shows that the politics in Nigeria is becoming increasingly centralized, with a few strong figures controlling the affairs of their parties and states.
This could make it difficult for opposition parties to gain ground and win elections, as they would be up against powerful incumbents who control all the levers of power in their respective states. It could also discourage potential candidates from joining opposition parties, as they may feel that there are few opportunities for political advancement.
What it Means for the 2023 General Elections
The warning from Governor Wike is likely to have a significant impact on the dynamics of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. With the PDP likely to be one of the main opposition parties, Wike’s warning could discourage governors from defecting from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It could also prevent a repeat of the 2019 general elections when some PDP governors worked against the party in their states, leading to the loss of key elections. With Wike firmly in control of the PDP in Rivers State, the party is more likely to put up a united front in the 2023 elections, which could increase its chances of winning.
Conclusion
Governor Wike’s warning to his fellow governors not to interfere in the PDP in Rivers State has generated a lot of interest and raised some important questions about the state of politics in Nigeria. While some people see it as a strong stance against political interference, others view it as an attempt to cow those who do not share the governor’s political views.
Regardless of one’s opinion, it is clear that Governor Wike is one of the most influential figures in the PDP today and has a massive following in Rivers State and beyond. His warning is likely to have significant implications for the PDP, other political parties, and the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. As we approach the elections, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out.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.
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