We’ll sanction Wike for anti-party activities, says PDP chairman

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, has stated that the party is ready to demonstrate to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, that he is not above the party.

Responding to questions at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, December 19, Damagum made the statement, hinting that Wike and other individuals engaging in anti-party activities will face consequences from the party leadership when the time comes.

This comes after various PDP stakeholders admonished Wike and others for allegedly indulging in anti-party activities during the recently concluded general elections, and requested that Damagum take necessary action.

The recent political unrest in PDP-controlled Rivers State has also been attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

He said: “Our stand about Wike, I have always said this thing that as long as you are a member of the PDP, there is a time for everything. My duty is to stabilise this party and not to cause crisis. And I will continue to do that within the confines of reason.

“When things go out of hand, we will act. But meanwhile, we still see it within the ambit of the law. Mind you, we have other litigation going on in this party and we won’t want to plunge our party into another crisis.

“And let me tell you something, it’s not only Wike, there are other people who worked against this party. When we get to that level we will sanction everybody. If Wike believes he is above this party, we will be able to show him that he is not above this party.”

Wike has never denied being a member of the PDP, according to Damagum, who added that the committee for the party’s 2023 review, which has not yet been constituted, would submit a report and suggest suitable penalties for individuals who engage in anti-party actions.

“They are to review what happened in 2023 and come out with a report not only about one person, but every person who has in one way or another engaged in anti-party. Then after that, we will see what kind of measure to take”, he added.