“Rivers Crisis: PDP Chieftain Blames Party Leadership for Woes, Slams Wike and Tinubu”

What’s Happening?

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken another dramatic turn as Dr. Tom FredFish, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPAJ), has slammed the PDP leadership for its failure to address the feud between Governor Sim Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FredFish also criticized President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at gaining an advantage for the 2027 elections. In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, FredFish didn’t hold back, accusing the PDP of being complicit in the crisis by failing to discipline Wike for his anti-party activities.

Nyesom Wike’s role in the Rivers crisis cannot be overstated. As a former governor and current FCT Minister, Wike wields significant influence in both Rivers State and national politics. However, his confrontational style and demand for loyalty have made him a polarizing figure.

FredFish’s criticism of Wike reflects a growing sentiment within the PDP that the party’s leadership has been too lenient with him. By allowing Wike to operate with impunity, the PDP has risked alienating its members and undermining its credibility.

The Implications for Rivers State

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has far-reaching implications. The suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, have left the state in a precarious position.

Key concerns include:

• The withholding of Rivers’ allocation by the CBN, which could cripple the state’s economy.
• The potential for increased militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta, which could harm Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
• The erosion of democratic principles, as the president’s actions set a dangerous precedent for the suspension of elected officials.

The PDP’s Path Forward

FredFish’s call for decisive action is a wake-up call for the PDP. To regain its footing, the party must:

• Enforce discipline and hold members accountable for anti-party activities.
• Rebuild trust with its members and supporters by addressing internal conflicts.
• Develop a clear strategy for future elections, focusing on unity and strong leadership.

FredFish’s Take: A Scathing Critique

FredFish minced no words in his assessment of the situation. Here’s what he had to say:

1. On Tinubu’s State of Emergency:
   • FredFish described the declaration as a misuse of presidential powers and a reflection of Tinubu’s bias in the Rivers crisis.
   • He argued that the move was less about restoring order and more about securing political capital for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
2. On PDP’s Inaction:
   • FredFish blamed the PDP leadership, including Atiku Abubakar and the Board of Trustees (BoT), for failing to rein in Wike.
   • He accused Wike of seeing himself as a “demigod” who demands absolute loyalty and punishes dissent.
   • FredFish expressed frustration that the PDP had allowed Wike’s anti-party activities to go unchecked, leading to the current crisis.
3. On Wike’s Role:
   • FredFish called Wike a “plague” that must be uprooted from the PDP for the party to regain its footing.
   • He criticized Wike for stalling peace efforts between himself and Fubara, accusing him of fueling chaos in Rivers State.

The Bigger Picture: A Party in Disarray

FredFish’s comments highlight the deep divisions within the PDP and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. The Rivers crisis has exposed the party’s inability to manage internal conflicts and enforce discipline, raising questions about its future.

Read also: “Peter Obi Laments: ‘Democracy Doesn’t Exist in Nigeria’ Amid Rivers State Emergency Controversy”

FredFish also warned that the state of emergency could have severe consequences for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole, including:

• A constitutional crisis over the withholding of Rivers’ allocation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
• The potential resurgence of militancy and oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, which could harm the national economy.
• The erosion of democratic principles, as the president’s actions set a dangerous precedent for the suspension of elected officials.

What’s Next for the PDP?

FredFish called for decisive action from the PDP leadership to address the crisis and restore order. His recommendations include:

• Expelling Wike from the party for his anti-party activities.
• Condemning President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
• Disciplining the 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members who attempted to impeach Governor Fubara.

According to FredFish, these steps are essential for the PDP to regain its credibility and prepare for future elections.

Key Takeaways

• FredFish criticized President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it politically motivated.
• He blamed the PDP leadership for failing to address the feud between Fubara and Wike, accusing Wike of anti-party activities.
• FredFish called for Wike’s expulsion from the PDP and urged the party to take decisive action to restore discipline.
• The crisis has exposed deep divisions within the PDP and raised concerns about its future.