Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has issued a strong warning, vowing not to let anyone take control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers State. This declaration is part of a larger political crisis brewing in the region, as Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, fiercely protects his influence over the party. The ongoing tension highlights the Nyesom Wike political crisis that has escalated due to his determination to maintain power in the state.
Wike’s frustration stems from the support some PDP governors have shown for the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. On August 23, these governors convened in Taraba State to discuss the unrest within the PDP in Rivers. They reaffirmed their backing of Fubara, insisting that his leadership should be upheld. This move has further fueled the Nyesom Wike political crisis as Wike sees it as a direct challenge to his authority and a threat to the party structure he has built in the state.
At the PDP state congress in Port Harcourt, Wike didn’t hold back his anger. Addressing party members, he warned the PDP governors to stay away from the internal affairs of the party in Rivers. Wike made it clear that he would not tolerate any attempts to undermine his control, stating, “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us.” His statement highlights the seriousness of the Nyesom Wike political crisis as he openly threatened to retaliate against any governor who dared to challenge him.
Wike’s threats weren’t vague. He explicitly warned that he would stir political trouble in the states of any governors who meddled in Rivers State politics. “I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states,” Wike said, emphasizing his readiness to escalate the Nyesom Wike political crisis if provoked. He accused these governors of becoming arrogant due to financial gains, which has emboldened them to interfere in his domain. Wike’s words suggest that any attempt to challenge him could lead to serious consequences, not just for the political landscape in Rivers, but in other states as well.
The tension within the Rivers PDP has been ongoing, particularly after a fallout between Wike and his predecessor, who was notably absent from the congress. Wike’s stronghold on the party remains unchallenged for now, but the Nyesom Wike political crisis continues to cast a shadow over the state, with many fearing further instability as the power struggle unfolds. This situation has attracted the attention of political figures across Nigeria, as they watch how Wike navigates these turbulent waters to maintain his influence in Rivers State.