River Crisis: PDP Takes Steps to Resolve Fubara and Wike Dispute

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is actively engaged in efforts to reconcile Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Nysom Wike, aiming to restore harmony in the interest of the state’s residents.

The Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the PDP is working behind the scenes to mend the relationship between the two party members. The party is determined to succeed in fostering unity, emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

Despite rumors suggesting Wike’s potential move to the All Progressives Party (APC) due to the migration of his loyalists to the ruling party, the PDP remains open to reaching out to him in order to resolve the existing discord.

Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary of the PDP, acknowledged the long-standing support of the Rivers people and assured that the party is capable of resolving the political crisis. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the people’s interests, expressing optimism about achieving peace and understanding.

Ologunagba dismissed the notion that the party would fail to reconcile Governor Fubara with his former mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing the PDP’s positive approach and determination to address conflicts within the party.

He highlighted the ongoing efforts to reconcile various interests and stakeholders, emphasizing the need to prioritize the people’s welfare. Ologunagba stated that, despite the challenges in Rivers State, the party is committed to the process, acknowledging that reconciliation takes time in a democratic setting.

While declining to disclose specific details about the party’s internal processes and outreach to Wike, Ologunagba emphasized the PDP’s focus on reconciliation for the greater good of the people of Rivers State. He underscored the party’s organizational readiness to address the issue, involving key party organs such as the PDP Governors Forum, the National Working Committee, members of the National Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees.

Additionally, Ologunagba stressed the importance of opposition unity to counter the perceived excesses of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing recent appointments in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He argued that a strong opposition is necessary to prevent the encroachment of totalitarianism and safeguard the interests of the Nigerian people.

Opposition parties, united under the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), have raised concerns about a purported scheme to legitimize the defection of 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The alleged motive behind this move is to facilitate the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The national secretary of CUPP, Mr. Peter Ameh, spoke at a press conference in Abuja, revealing that the coalition had intercepted credible intelligence and a draft ruling supposedly written by a judge. The coalition claims that this ruling, currently circulating online, aims to declare the defected members as bonafide lawmakers. CUPP vows to resist this plot, threatening to report any judge delivering such a judgment to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and save democracy, expressing concerns about the speed with which the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023) was filed, registered, and assigned within 24 hours. They alleged that the ruling, scheduled to be delivered on Monday, undermines democratic principles and constitutional governance.

CUPP also called on security agencies to stay clear of the political crisis, emphasizing the need to protect government institutions, particularly the Rivers State Government. The coalition urged Nigerians to attend the Federal High Court sitting on Monday to witness the proceedings.

Wike’s Warning Amid Political Crisis in Rivers State

Former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State issued a warning amidst the political crisis in the state, cautioning politicians not to dismantle the ladder they used to climb to exalted positions. He emphasized the importance of leaving the ladder for others and called for peaceful resolutions.

Wike, engaged in a dispute with the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, addressed the issue during a gathering at his residence in Port Harcourt. He denied that the conflict was based on ethnicity and pledged commitment to peace, urging politicians to prioritize unity for the benefit of Rivers State.

APC Accused of Overindulging Wike by Former National Vice Chairman

Salihu Lukman, a former national vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the national secretariat of the APC of complicity in the power struggle in Rivers State. Lukman claimed that the dissolution of the Rivers APC chapter and the creation of a caretaker committee were orchestrated to hand over party structures to Wike.

Lukman expressed concern over the impact of the political feud on governance in Rivers State, highlighting the swift approval of Fubara’s budget as evidence of compromised democratic principles. He urged Wike to take responsibility for his choices and advocated for leaders who prioritize citizens’ well-being over political disagreements. Lukman criticized the reduction of politics to mere electoral contests, emphasizing the need for elected representatives to fulfill promises made to the people.