The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to ignite political turmoil in any state where the governor attempts to interfere in the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.
Speaking at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday during the party’s state congress, Wike warned, “As long as we are alive, no one will take control of the PDP structure from us. I’ve heard some governors claim they will take over and return it to someone else, but I pity them. I will bring chaos to their states.”
Wike specifically targeted Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, pledging to disrupt the peace in Rivers State if any governor challenged his power.
“I’ve heard some are emboldened by money from a signature bonus, thinking they can meddle in my state. They should be prepared because I have the capability to do the same in their states,” Wike stated. “Whether you’re from Bauchi or elsewhere, if you try to interfere in Rivers State, you’ll get burned and find no peace in your own state.”
Wike’s comments come shortly after PDP governors met in Taraba State to address the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, where Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara are key figures.
On August 23, the PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed their support for Governor Fubara in a communiqué read by Governor Bala Mohammed, the Chairman. They demanded that the party congress results be reviewed in order to reinstate Fubara’s role as the state’s head.
“The Forum notes the political impasse in Rivers State, where court judgments are being used to determine the outcomes of party congresses,” the communiqué stated. “We stand with the Governor of Rivers State and will engage the National Working Committee of our party to revisit the congress, correct the anomalies, and allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to assume his rightful leadership position in the state.”
The PDP in Rivers State has been embroiled in a crisis following the fallout between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara did not attend Saturday’s congress at the party’s secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt. However, Wike was joined by several serving and former lawmakers, ex-council chairmen, and other party loyalists.
Representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the Resident Electoral Commissioner, were also present to monitor the proceedings.