Wike Takes NWC, Governors Forum to Court: A Move to Control Rivers PDP Structure
In a significant development within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has reportedly taken legal action against the National Working Committee (NWC), the Governors Forum, and other key party bodies. The legal move is seen as part of Wike's strategy to secure control over the PDP structure in Rivers State, a critical political base for him. This revelation was made by Umar Sani, former Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, during an interview with Arise News.
Wike’s Legal Maneuvering
Umar Sani disclosed that Wike’s legal battle is aimed at ensuring his dominance over the PDP’s structure in Rivers State. “As I'm speaking to you, Wike has taken the NWC, the Governors Forum, and any other instruments that can stop him from owning the Rivers State PDP structure to court,” Sani stated.
This legal action comes as the party prepares for crucial local government elections, with the internal dynamics of the Rivers PDP hanging in the balance. Wike’s move is viewed as an attempt to prevent any challenges to his influence within the state’s political framework, particularly from the sitting governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The Incomplete Process of Establishing Party Structures
Sani argued that Wike’s legal efforts might be premature, as the process of formally establishing party structures within the PDP is still ongoing. He explained that any decisions regarding the formation of such structures would require the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC), which has not yet convened on the matter.
“The court order he secured cannot stand because the process is ongoing,” Sani remarked, emphasizing that no party structure in Rivers State can be officially recognized without NEC approval. “Before a decision could be made to say that a structure has been formed, it has to be passed by the NEC of the party,” he added, casting doubt on the long-term effectiveness of Wike’s legal approach.
A Strategy to Weaken Governor Fubara?
Many political analysts view Wike’s legal action as a calculated strategy to weaken Governor Siminalayi Fubara by preventing him from using the PDP structure to consolidate his own political power in Rivers State. Sani echoed this sentiment during his interview, suggesting that Wike’s goal is to maintain control over the party’s apparatus in order to limit Fubara’s influence.
“The idea is to weaken the governor from using the structure in the state,” Sani stated. This move highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, as Wike seeks to retain his stronghold over the party, even after leaving office.
Public Reactions
Wike’s legal actions have sparked a range of reactions from political observers and the general public. Some have criticized his tactics as arrogant and reminiscent of other powerful figures in history who attempted to hold onto power through aggressive maneuvers.
One commentator remarked, “Wike, who is playing like a god, is a mere human who may have used Rivers' resources but is too pompous. History shows that those who are arrogant have often crumbled and faced disgrace.”
Others drew historical comparisons, noting that powerful figures who have exhibited similar behaviors have eventually fallen. “People like him have fallen many times, as God has always humiliated such arrogant men, like Pharaoh and Adolf Hitler,” another observer stated.
Conclusion
As Wike’s legal battle continues, the political landscape in Rivers State remains uncertain. Whether his efforts to secure control over the PDP structure will succeed depends on future decisions by the party’s National Executive Committee. Meanwhile, the power struggle between Wike and Governor Fubara adds another layer of complexity to the evolving dynamics within the state’s political sphere.
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