PDP governors criticised for handling of Wike-Fubara feud

The Concerned Rivers People (CRP) has criticised the recent intervention by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum in the ongoing political conflict in Rivers State. The group accused the forum of failing to address the situation in a manner that fosters justice, peace, and stability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by its Director of Communications, Robinson Uke, the CRP expressed disappointment with what it described as the one-sided approach taken by the body of opposition governors. The group took issue with the forum’s emphasis on *esprit de corps* in its handling of the crisis within the party in Rivers State.

“Our attention has been drawn to [the] statement issued by Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, DG of the Forum drawing a battle line and threatening our dear son, Nyesom Wike,” Uke stated.

He continued, “It’s really unfortunate that those who should stabilize the party and say truth to situations are those fueling a massive destabilisation. They chose to hide and support their own at the detriment of the party in the name of esprit de corps.”

The CRP argued that the PDP Governors Forum has failed to acknowledge the broader structure of the party, insisting that the governors’ grip on power is the root cause of discord. “By now, the governors should realise the bitter truth that [they] are not the only arm of the party. That notion of [a] Governor [who] must take all and dispense to whom he pleases is the root cause of rancour in the states,” Uke remarked.

Uke further challenged the idea that governors should have ultimate control over party structures, particularly in states where other significant political figures exist. He pointed out, “Reasonably you expect a Fubara to lead and supervise a Wike in Rivers State or a governor to lead Lamido in his state or a Saraki in Kwara State and dispense to them. You are only playing the ostrich and not seeking for peace that all Nigerians know is required now.”

The CRP’s statement also addressed the issue of justice within the party, suggesting that the forum’s actions have undermined peace. “Justice begets peace but PDP Governors Forum has murdered peace by sacrificing justice on the [altar] of comradeship,” Uke asserted.

The statement concluded with a warning about Wike’s readiness to defend his position. “If Fubara wants PDP, he has to earn it. By the way, did Wike set out for a fight? He sent a warning to any Governor that steps into his turf, [don’t] expect him to be at akimbo and watch you. He will bring the fight to your domain. Wike will walk his talk.”

Uke criticised the expectation that governors should control all party structures within their states, noting that this practice often overlooks other party leaders such as parliamentarians, ministers, and former presidents. He argued, “The idea that Governors should [sit] over all structure of [the] party in the state is the root cause of problems. They determine who gets [the] party ticket regardless of the presence of other party leaders like Parliamentarians at all levels, even where [you] have a Senate President in the state.”

He urged the PDP Governors Forum to seek genuine peace by addressing wrongs and avoiding the intimidation of party members. “Advice Governors to caution any Governor who is wrong and plead for peace on his behalf not to intimidate members with the Office. Behold a Wike that will refuse to be intimidated,” Uke concluded.