The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers in Nigeria has sharply criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his recent remarks regarding Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The coalition dismissed Wike’s claims, telling him to “stop daydreaming,” as Governor Fubara has no intention of leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike had previously mocked his successor, suggesting that Fubara and his camp were considering the Action Peoples Party (APP) as a fallback option for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State. Wike further boasted that he would “teach them how to play politics.”
In response, the opposition coalition, through its spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, issued a statement on Sunday, condemning Wike’s comments and asserting that Fubara would remain firmly within the PDP. Ugochinyere dismissed Wike’s claims as baseless, accusing the FCT Minister of spreading falsehoods.
Ugochinyere stated, “I don’t know who told Wike that Fubara would abandon the PDP for him to control, while working behind the scenes for the APC. Fubara will never leave PDP for him.”
Fubara’s Control of Rivers PDP
The opposition spokesperson described Wike’s assertion that Fubara has joined APP as nothing more than a “desperate lie from a losing politician.” Ugochinyere insisted that Fubara has continuously outmaneuvered Wike and is firmly in control of the PDP in Rivers State.
“The battle for the soul of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers has not even started, and Wike is already panicking like an amateur politician, running from court to court,” Ugochinyere said.
He went on to challenge Wike, stating, “If you think Fubara will join APP and leave PDP for you, then you are an overrated politician. Watch how Fubara will deliver a political uppercut in the PDP battle. You cannot lead PDP from APC, and we are not worried about Rivers PDP, because you can’t control it.”
Ugochinyere further emphasized that Fubara remains resolute in leading the party. “Our mission is to ensure Wike faces the consequences of betraying his party for political bread and butter, and his fear of losing federal protection,” he added.
Wike’s Control of PDP Challenged
The opposition coalition also refuted Wike’s claims about the current state of local government administration in Rivers State. They credited Fubara with stabilizing the system, despite Wike’s alleged attempts to undermine it.
“Wike felt he could destabilize local government administration in Rivers, but Fubara has brought stability, and that is what pains Wike,” Ugochinyere said.
Regarding the PDP’s internal structure, Ugochinyere criticized the executives Wike is backing, labeling them as an “illegal committee of friends” with no legal standing. He further claimed that the court had already nullified their legitimacy.
“The real battle for the soul of the PDP is coming, and as of today, the valid Rivers PDP is with Fubara,” Ugochinyere concluded.
The coalition has made it clear that Fubara’s loyalty to the PDP is unwavering, and they remain confident that he will emerge victorious in the political struggle against Wike.
