Wike Blasts PDP Crisis As ‘Impunity,’ Denies Fubara Feud, Sparks Debate On Rivers’ Future

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued a scathing critique of the internal turmoil engulfing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, blaming the situation on “impunity and injustice.”

In a live media chat in Abuja, Wike, as usual, delivered a no-holds-barred assessment of the party’s woes, despite rising concerns about the political climate in Rivers State.

Wike categorically denied any personal feud with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, despite persistent speculation that their relationship has soured. “I have made it clear that this impunity, this injustice, will not be tolerated,” Wike said, emphasising his commitment to addressing the PDP’s underlying issues. “There is no crisis between me and Governor Fubara.” “None at all.”

Instead, the former Rivers State Governor accused unnamed “undertakers” of deliberately inciting chaos within the PDP to further their own self-serving agendas.

“What is going on in the PDP is the work of people I can only refer to as undertakers. I do not understand why anyone would willingly put themselves in the middle of such a crisis,” he said, declining to reveal the identities of these people.

Addressing the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, Wike denied fuelling instability or interfering with the current administration.

“I do not want a crisis,” he insisted. “But, unbeknownst to me, the governor handed himself over to those who could not confront me directly; he let them use him to fight me.”

In a particularly moving and emotionally charged analogy, Wike compared his relationship with Governor Fubara to that of a father betrayed by his own son.

“You raise a child, feed him, send him to school, and then one night he returns home and shoots you. “Just imagine how that feels,” he lamented, emphasising the gravity of his perceived betrayal.

The sentiment highlights the intricate dynamics at work in the ongoing political drama in Rivers State.

The possibility of a state of emergency in Rivers State was also discussed, with Wike distancing himself from any calls for such drastic measures.

He emphasised that President Bola Tinubu was solely responsible for making the decision.

“I am not the President. I have never supported a state of emergency. But I understand why it was considered at the time, given that the government was on the verge of impeachment. Still, the president, in his wisdom, handled it differently,” Wike said.

Furthermore, Wike targeted “television politicians,” criticising those who prioritise media appearances over genuine public service.

“These television politicians make me feel bad. They speak as if they understand governance, but they are nowhere near the people,” he said, escalating the already tense political climate.

The timing of Wike’s remarks is especially significant, as they come amid deepening factional tensions within the PDP and growing concerns about political stability in Rivers State.

The PDP has been dealing with internal divisions and power struggles for months, and Wike’s intervention is likely to exacerbate existing fault lines.

Reactions to Wike’s remarks have been swift and diverse. While some political analysts believe Wike is attempting to reclaim his position as a key power broker within the PDP, others see his statements as fuelling further instability and exacerbating Rivers State’s already dire political situation.

“Wike’s remarks are a clear indication that the power struggle within the PDP is far from over,” said political analyst Dr. Aisha Bello.

“His accusations of impunity and injustice within the party, combined with his remarks about the Rivers State situation, are likely to resonate with various factions within the PDP and may lead to further divisions.”

While the presidency has yet to respond formally to Wike’s statements, his remarks are expected to spark significant debate within political circles, potentially influencing the future trajectory of both the PDP and the political landscape in Rivers state.

The following days and weeks will be critical in determining the long-term consequences of Wike’s explosive intervention.

The focus now shifts to how the PDP and Governor Fubara will respond to these allegations, and whether President Tinubu will be forced to address the escalating tensions in Rivers State.