Tension Brews Within PDP as States Reject Caretaker Committees Nomination

Tensions escalate within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as controversies swirl around the establishment of caretaker committees in various states and local governments by the party’s national leadership. This development comes on the heels of the dissolution of executive committees in affected states last week.

According to a statement by PDP Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the states and local governments impacted include Rivers, Delta, Imo, Gombe, Bayelsa, Enugu, Bauchi, Ondo, Plateau, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

However, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has vehemently rejected the caretaker committee list, denouncing it as illegitimate and asserting that it will not be recognized. The state executive committee of the party has also criticized the list, affirming its intention to continue its duties.

The composition of the caretaker committee has raised eyebrows, particularly due to its apparent alignment with loyalists of FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike, causing consternation within the Fubara camp. This exacerbates existing tensions between the governor and his predecessor, highlighting the divisive nature of partisan politics in the crisis-ridden state chapter.

Governor Fubara, speaking in Port Harcourt during the commencement of the Port Harcourt International Automobile Spare Parts Trading and Commercial Centre project, dismissed the list as the work of publicity seekers and agents of crisis, emphasizing that it holds no legitimacy. He clarified that the national leadership had agreed to extend the tenure of existing executives in states where terms had expired, without introducing new names or removing any incumbent officers.

Furthermore, Fubara reassured supporters that the decision awaits ratification by the National Executive Council (NEC) and urged them not to be swayed by misinformation or attempts to sow discord.

In solidarity with Fubara’s stance, Sydney Gbara, the Rivers State PDP Publicity Secretary, reiterated that the state executive committee remains intact and urged members to disregard the purported caretaker committee list circulating on social media.

Amidst the political turmoil, Governor Fubara emphasized his administration’s commitment to promoting economic growth and development in Rivers State, citing the importance of projects like the Port Harcourt International Automobile Spare Parts Trading and Commercial Centre in driving progress.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the project’s potential to transform the local economy and improve livelihoods.