The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), chaired by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (CON), Governor of Bauchi State, alongside all member-Governors, has been drawn to a widely circulated news report in which the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS, and former Governor of Rivers State, made inflammatory and threatening comments against the Forum’s member-Governors. PulseNets learned that these remarks have sparked significant concern regarding the unity and peaceful coexistence within the party.
Wike’s statements, particularly his threats to “Put fire” in PDP-controlled States, have been deemed “unbridled, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable” by the Forum, as they undermine ongoing efforts to foster peace, collaboration, and mutual respect among the party’s leaders and members. PulseNets reported that it is particularly regrettable that such comments are coming from a former member of the Forum who once benefited from its unwavering support.
The Forum has reiterated its “A TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL” philosophy, affirming that they individually and collectively stand by and support each other regardless of circumstances—a tradition Wike himself enjoyed during his tenure as governor. As such, the Forum has maintained its stance on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as resolved in their 2024 meetings in Enugu and Taraba States, emphasizing that these decisions are not open to review by any individual, regardless of their position.
Speaking to PulseNets, a Forum representative stressed that their position is not personal and does not undermine any party stakeholder’s relevance. Instead, they remain committed to practices that ensure order and eliminate conflicting loyalties, which were designed to prevent distractions in the execution of a governor’s mandate. Wike, PulseNets learned, benefitted fully from this arrangement during his time in office.
The Forum remains committed to working with the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State receives all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the PDP platform, both at the state and national levels. PulseNets reported that the Forum’s undiluted commitment to party unity is paramount, reflecting their dedication to the values of collective progress and cooperation within the PDP.
In response to the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, the Forum insists that the NWC should utilize both official channels and informal platforms to seek an amicable resolution. The Forum has told PulseNets that the warring parties should embrace a spirit of compromise and avoid incendiary rhetoric that could inflame tensions among their followers.
PulseNets learned that the Forum is also advocating for continuous dialogue and reconciliation, pointing out that the PDP has established mechanisms, such as the recently formed disciplinary and reconciliation committees, to address grievances and resolve conflicts. It is crucial, they said, for Wike to engage constructively with these processes, as dialogue and reconciliation are essential to resolving differences and strengthening the party.
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Finally, the Forum has called on national security agencies to take note of Wike’s threats to incite violence at the sub-national level, reminding all that no one is above the law.
Dr. Emmanuel Agbo FNMS, MFR, Director General of the PDP-GF, Abuja, emphasized this position to PulseNets.
