Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State responded to a warning by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), by saying Bauchi has “enough water to extinguish any fire” Wike might attempt to ignite.
Wike had earlier threatened to cause trouble in states governed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who are supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with whom Wike has been feuding for months.
At a recent PDP congress in Rivers State, Wike cautioned fellow governors within the party to stay out of Rivers’ political affairs, warning that he would “put fire” in the states of those siding with Fubara.
However, while hosting members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed assured them that no such threat would effect their state.
“We are united, and no one can set Bauchi on fire,” Mohammed said. “We have enough water to quench any fire, even from my friend (Wike), who said that out of anger. It’s not personal,” Bala said.
He continued, “Friendship is one thing, but leadership is another. This visit from the NWC demonstrates that there is still hope for Nigeria. We are connected by the values of peace and stability that the PDP represents.”
Acknowledging that all political parties experience internal challenges, Mohammed emphasised the need for unity and respect within the PDP.
“Crises exist, which is why leadership is necessary. We must follow the rule of law, respect others, and put our differences aside to work together for the good of our party and the country.”
Kamaldeen Adeyemi, the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, stated that the NWC’s visit was to show solidarity with Governor Mohammed.