PDP governors lash out at Wike, threatening “fire in their states.”

The Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, has come under fire from governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform for threatening to “set their states on fire” if they interfered with the party’s operations in Rivers State.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, and signed by Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, its Director General, characterized Wike’s threats as uncontrolled, reckless, and intolerable.

The forum claimed that Wike’s threats, which have now gained widespread notice on social media, caught its attention.

Despite the minister’s threats, the governors say they are determined to stick with Similaye Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, and make sure he has all the rights and benefits that come with being a sitting governor of the party.

The statement said, in part, “Wike’s reckless, uncontrolled, and completely unacceptable statements and threats to peaceful coexistence in the PDP-controlled States are detrimental to efforts to establish and uphold peace, unity, cooperation, and respect among leaders and party members.

“It is quite regrettable that this is coming from a former governor who was a part of this esteemed forum.

The Forum has consistently upheld the “Atouch one touch all” tenet, encouraging members to support and stand by one another in all situations, both personally and collectively.

A custom that Wike greatly relished during his difficult days as governor. We so maintain that no one, no matter how high up in the hierarchy, may question our position on the PDP’s operations in Rivers State, as it was unanimously decided at our 3rd and 4th Meetings in 2024, held in Taraba State and Enugu State, respectively.

“We wish to 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.

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

“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 office 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 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.

It is imperative that we consistently promote communication and healing. Wike must participate constructively in the grievance and reconciliation processes that the PDP has set up, such as the recently formed disciplinary and reconciliation committees, since these avenues are the means by which disagreements can be settled and the party is strengthened.

As no one is above the law, the Forum calls on the leaders of the national security apparatuses to take notice of Wike’s threats to fan the flames of violence against the sub-nationals.