By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called on heads of the national security agencies to take cognisance of the threats by Nyesom Wike to stoke the fire of violence in all the PDP’s controlled states in the federation.
The Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo in a statement on Tuesday, made the plea for the nation’s security chiefs to take into consideration the threats by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike against the forum members and the states they governs, saying that no Nigerian citizen is above the laws of the country.
It would be recalled that the former Rivers state governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike recently made scathing and threatening comments regarding members of the PDP Governors Forum which has raised significant concerns in the public space regarding the unity and peaceful coexistence within the party.
The outburst by Nyesom Wike followed the recent actions of the governors after their last week forum meeting in Taraba state about the happenings in Rivers state, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflecting their dedication to his values.
PDP Governors Forum Director General Emmanuel Agbo explained that it is crucial for all PDP members, including Nyesom Wike to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal vendettas.
Dr. Agbo recalled that PDP has established mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts, such as the recently constituted disciplinary and reconciliation committees, hence the need for Nyesom Wike to engage with such processes constructively to bet his grievances against party members.
He noted that dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolve differences and even strengthen the PDP as a party, stressing that it is inevitable for party members to continuously encourage dialogue and reconciliation.
“The statements and 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. The Forum has always maintained “A TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL” philosophy and individually and collectively stand by and support each other no matter the circumstances. A tradition Wike tremendously enjoyed in his days of travail as governor”.
The PDP Governors Forum therefore maintained that its position on the affairs of the party in Rivers State, as unanimously resolved at its 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States respectively are not subject to review by any individual no matter how highly placed.
Dr. Emmanuel Agbo emphasized 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”.
Agbo assured that the Governors are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of their great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubabra of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of their 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 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”.
The Forum’s Director General further explained that 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.
