PDP Chieftain Criticises Nyesom Wike, Calls for Disciplinary Action

Tom Fredfish, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, has issued a strong rebuke against Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fredfish’s comments came in response to Wike’s recent remarks during the PDP state congress in Rivers State, which Fredfish described as “vexatious” and potentially damaging to the party’s unity.

Fredfish expressed concern that Wike’s behaviour poses a serious threat to the cohesion of the PDP, urging the party to take decisive action against him.

In his view, Wike’s actions could lead to significant harm if left unchecked, and he called on the PDP to either rein in Wike or consider expelling him from the party altogether.

According to Fredfish, Wike’s ongoing conduct reflects poorly on the party and undermines its efforts to present a united front.

In an exclusive interview with the media, Fredfish did not mince words.

He urged President Bola Tinubu, under whose administration Wike serves, to intervene and caution Wike against inciting violence in Rivers State and making threats against state governors who support the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Fredfish labelled Wike a “loose cannon” whose actions are detrimental to the party’s stability.

“It’s unfortunate that an appointee of the APC, who actively worked against the PDP in the 2023 general election, is now making bold threats against PDP state governors,” Fredfish stated.

“Wike should be reminded that his influence has diminished, and he no longer wields the power he once did.

The PDP must address his egocentric behaviour before it completely erodes the party’s integrity.”

Fredfish continued to criticise Wike’s attempts to assert control over the PDP, questioning the extent of his influence.

“Wike needs to realise that not all state governors will bow to his pressure, as we saw in Cross River State with former Governor Ben Ayade.

His power is not what it used to be, and he should not assume he has the authority to dictate terms within the PDP,” he argued.

Fredfish was particularly dismissive of Wike’s potential influence in Akwa Ibom State, suggesting that no one there would take Wike’s threats against Governor Umo Eno seriously.

Fredfish urged the PDP to reassert its authority and take a firm stand against what he termed Wike’s “tyrannical cravings.”

He criticised the party for appearing as if it were under Wike’s control, stating, “The PDP needs to act like a cohesive entity, not as if it is Wike-PDP PLC.

This madness must stop before it completely destroys the party.”

The PDP chieftain also called on President Tinubu to address Wike’s inflammatory rhetoric, which Fredfish believes is unbecoming of a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and poses a threat to the country’s political stability.

He further asserted that Wike’s history suggests he lacks the capacity to follow through on his threats, pointing to past incidents where Wike’s actions did not align with his words.

“Wike has become something of a clown on the Nigerian political stage,” Fredfish observed. “He often says one thing and does another, which has severely damaged his credibility.

For instance, when Governor Fubara threatened to probe Wike’s administration, Wike was conspicuously silent. This shows that he is not the force he pretends to be.”

Fredfish’s comments reflect broader concerns within the PDP about Wike’s behaviour and its potential impact on the party.

His remarks also underscore the tensions between Wike and other PDP governors, which came to a head after a recent meeting of the PDP Governors Forum.

During that meeting, held on 23rd August 2024 in Taraba State, the forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, expressed unanimous support for Governor Fubara.

In response to this show of unity, Wike lashed out in a viral video, threatening to “put fire” in the states of PDP governors who support Fubara.

Speaking to his supporters at the Rivers State congress, Wike declared, “Not while we live will anybody take away the structure of PDP from us. I pity those governors who think they can challenge us. I will put fire in their states, and they will learn what it means to cross me.”

Wike’s remarks have raised alarm within the PDP and among political observers, who fear that his confrontational approach could lead to further divisions within the party.

As the situation unfolds, the PDP faces increasing pressure to address the internal rifts and take a clear stance on Wike’s position within the party.

For now, Fredfish’s call for action serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s major political parties as they navigate complex internal dynamics and public scrutiny.