Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his controversial remarks. He had declared he would put “fire” in any PDP-controlled state undermining his authority. In a television interview, Wike said he owed no one an apology for dragging PDP Governors.
He was responding to a communiqué from the PDP Governors Forum. The communiqué, read by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, pledged support for Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State. Wike felt this move disrespected him and undermined his position in the party.
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Minister Wike emphasized that his use of “fire” was metaphorical, not literal. He stressed that it referred to potential political crises, not violence. Wike claimed the PDP governors disregarded whether their actions in Rivers were legal or not.
Wike also vowed never to support Fubara, his estranged political godson, again. He blamed Fubara for turning against him after benefiting from his support.
The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) recently handed control of Rivers PDP structures to Wike. This decision infuriated Fubara’s supporters, sparking anger in Rivers State. They argued that sitting governors traditionally control party structures in their states.
Sydney Tambara Gbara, a PDP leader in Rivers, criticized the NWC’s move. He warned it could lead to the PDP losing Rivers in the next election. Fubara’s supporters are now pressuring him to decide on his next political step.