Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have described a recent comment by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as unacceptable and irresponsible.
The PDP Governors after their meeting has declared support for the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State.
The governors also promised to liaise with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to ensure that the governors take his pride of place in the politics of the state.
But worried by the development, the FCT minister had threatened to “to fire in the state” of any governor who interferes in the internal politics of Rivers.
Reacting to the development in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General, of the PDP-GF, said the “threats to peaceful coexistence made by Wike to “Put fire” in the PDP controlled States are unbridled, irresponsible and without ambiguity totally unacceptable as it undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party.
“It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”
Governors who insisted on their determination to ensure that Fubara remains the leader of the party in the state said, “We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party, both at the state and national levels. ”
They also emphasize 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.
“Our undiluted commitment to the unity of our party is paramount. The 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.
“The Forum insists that it is incumbent on the National Working Committee of the PDP to invoke both official provisions and unofficial good offices 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.”
