Wike Warns Governors Against Interfering in Rivers PDP: “I Will Put Fire in Their States”

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a stern warning to any governor attempting to interfere with the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.

Speaking at the PDP state congress in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike declared that he would create a political crisis in any state where such interference occurs.

Wike, known for his fiery rhetoric, emphasized that the PDP’s structure in Rivers State would not be taken from him and his allies. “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of PDP from us,” Wike stated.

He added, “But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states.”

Wike’s warnings were particularly directed at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. He accused Mohammed of planning to meddle in Rivers State’s PDP affairs, cautioning him and any other governor with similar intentions.

Wike warned, “I heard they got some money from signature bonuses, and so their heads are getting big that they will put their hands in my own state. Prepare because I have the capacity to also do the same thing in your own state. Whether you are from Bauchi, I don’t give a damn, whichever state you are from, as far as I know, if you try to interfere in Rivers State, your hand will get burnt, and you will never sleep in your state.”

Wike made it clear that he would not back down if the interference continued, saying, “I have told them. Now you have started. When I start, don’t say I’m the one trying to destroy PDP. You are the one trying to destroy PDP. Allow Rivers State to conduct the affairs of the party.”

Wike’s comments come in the wake of a recent meeting of PDP governors in Taraba State, where they reiterated their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a communiqué read by Chairman Bala Mohammed on August 23, the PDP Governors’ Forum called for a review of the outcomes of the party congresses in Rivers State. The Forum emphasized the need to restore Fubara’s leadership role within the state’s PDP.

The communiqué stated, “The Forum notes the political impasse in Rivers State where court judgments are employed to determine the outcome of the party congresses. The PDP Governors’ Forum restates its stand with the Governor of Rivers State, and will engage the NWC of our great party to revisit the congress with a view to correcting the anomaly and allowing His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take his rightful leadership position of the party in the state.”

The tension within the Rivers PDP has been brewing for some time, largely due to a power struggle between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Fubara, who was notably absent from the congress, has found himself at odds with Wike, who remains a dominant figure in the state’s political landscape.

The Port Harcourt congress, despite the ongoing crisis, was well-attended by current and former lawmakers, council chairmen, and other party members. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also present to monitor the proceedings.