Wike, Threat To National Security, Should Be Arrested -Ex-PDP Strategist
4 min read- Diri: Holy Ghost Fire “ll Consume Enemies of PDP
Saturday’s threats by a former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, that he would set fire on states governed by PDP has attracted the ire of some stakeholders of the party, including a former strategist of the party at the party’s headquarters, Henry Shield.
Shield’s response to Wike’s threats came just as the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has chosen to go spiritual in the fight for the soul of the PDP. Like the biblical Elijah, Diri has said that the Holy Spirit Fire will consume anyone working towards the collapse of the PDP.
At the state congress of the PDP in Rivers State, Wike had said he would cause mayhem in the states where PDP governors hold sway, for mobilizing support for his arch enemy and governor of the state, Sim Funbara.
He had said “I heard some governors who said they will take away my structure and give it to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace, then whatever you see, you take.
“I don’t understand simply because l hear they got some money from a signature bonus; and so, their heads are getting big, that you put a hand in my own state. Prepare, prepare, because I have the capacity to also do the same thing in your own state.
“Whether you are from Bauchi, I don’t give a damn. Whichever state you come from, as far as I know, that you are trying to put yourself in Rivers State, your hand will get burnt. And you will never sleep in your own state.
“You will not be governor again. You will see a political crisis as far as PDP is concerned. So, I have told them now that you have started, when I will start, don’t say I’m the one that destroyed PDP. You are the one that is trying to destroy the PDP.”
But Shield said on Sunday night on national television that Wike’s comments were a threat to national security. He traced the history of the crisis in the PDP and put the blame on the doorsteps of Wike, saying the FCT minister now had the PDP leadership as his stooges.
He said Wike would be held responsible if any crisis erupted in any PDP state. He alleged that Wike had messed up many states politically and was at war with many of the PDP and APC leaders.
Saying that Wike should be made to answer for the threat statements he uttered, he questioned the minister’s vow to deal with sitting governors and wondered why the minister was yet to be arrested for questioning.
Some hours earlier, Diri had said in Yenagoa at his state’s congress of the PDP that those who are working against the interest of the party will have God’s wrath to contend with.
He had also expressed the hope that the crisis facing the party would soon be over. According to him, “the drama at the national level of our party, we are working to resolve it. This party will not go down. No democracy without opposition.
“The PDP is the main opposition party and it will continue to play its role until it captures power again.” He lauded members of the state PDP chapter for their loyalty and commitment to the growth of the party and the development of the state.
He said they had contributed in no small measure to the success of the party in the state having built consensus across all the local governments, which resulted in the rancour-free state congress. He urged the new Exco to continue in the spirit that has made the party successful in the state since 1999, noting that those that did not return was due to zoning and constitutional issues.
“Our party exudes love and since the beginning of this democratic dispensation jn 1999 we have been in charge in this state. Our party has delivered so much in Bayelsa State in terms of development and good governance. That would not have been possible without the loyalty and commitment of members of the party, I urge you to continue.
“I also thank the panel for a job well done and all our delegates. It is difficult to manage victory. Now that you have returned, do not deviate. Continue on this path so that we will continue to be strong. Your victory calls for more service to our people.”
In his acceptance speech, re-elected chairman of the state PDP, Solomon Agwana, expressed appreciation to leaders and members of the party for the confidence reposed in him and members of the Exco.
He assured that they will continue to pilot the party’s affairs in line with its constitution and support Governor Diri to deliver on his mandate.
In his remarks, chairman of the electoral committee of the congress, Hon. Olasupo Abiodun, commended party members for playing by the rules and conducting themselves orderly, saying his committee was satisfied with the entire process.
Other members of the new executive council include Ben George Odon (Deputy Chairman), Gesiye Isowo (Secretary), Barr. Andi Newman Obed (Vice Chairman, Bayelsa East), Chief Nathan Wisdom (Vice Chairman, Bayelsa Central) and Ebikidimie Tobi (Vice Chairman, Bayelsa West)
Others are Barr. Christopher Kainga (Legal Adviser), Indutimi Opurupelebo (Organising Secretary), Elder Luke Demoru (Treasurer), Mrs. Christie Ebbeli (Women Leader) and Ebiye Ogoli (Publicity Secretary)
The rest are Amalala Godwin (Financial Secretary), Akuakwa Akuakwa (Auditor) and Didi Oyisor (Youth Leader).