Rivers Crisis: Wike's Move Sparks Controversy Among PDP Leaders

Olabinjo George Criticizes Nyesom Wike Over CO Revocation

Naija News brings you the latest twist in the ongoing political drama within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Olabode George, has taken a strong stance against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his decision to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) of the party's secretariat. Wike, who is also a prominent member of the PDP, recently made headlines with this bold move.

The government's action came after the PDP failed to pay the ground rent for the property, which is located in the prestigious Central Area Business District of Abuja. This decision not only affects the Wadata Plaza but also extends to the party’s unfinished national secretariat. The situation has sparked a heated debate within the party, with many questioning the timing and intent behind Wike’s actions.

Wike has accused the PDP of neglecting its financial responsibilities, specifically failing to pay ₦7.6 million in ground rent for its land title in the Central Area. Despite being in power for years and generating substantial revenue—between ₦13 billion and ₦20 billion from the sale of forms—the party allegedly allowed this crucial payment to slip through the cracks.

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George Reacts: A Declaration of War?

In an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, Olabode George expressed his disappointment and frustration over Wike's decision. He described the CO revocation as nothing short of a declaration of war against the PDP. According to George, Wike, whom he considers a political protégé, has crossed an irreversible line with this move.

George recounted how he initially supported Wike’s initiatives by joining the G5 governors ahead of the 2023 presidential election. However, he eventually withdrew his backing when the group began acting contrary to the PDP’s core principles. He emphasized that Wike's recent actions are a betrayal of the party that nurtured and elevated him throughout his career.

George passionately stated, “Let me tell you something. When the crisis started in the PDP, they invited me as an elder to join the G5 governors and some other elders. I did, but we fell out when we found that some of the things they were doing did not align with the party’s values. And what Wike just did is completely unacceptable in any civilized political environment.”

“He has crossed the red line. Do you know why? During this same period of trying to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, he revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of our party’s secretariat. I want him to listen to me very carefully because he’s like my political son. It’s like you come from your community, and from that community, your home, your home village was there. Suddenly, you now became the local government chairman of that community.”

“And the first thing you do officially is to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of your father’s house—the house that produced you and provided everything you needed. What is the amount of money we owe? A mere ₦7.2 million? It would have been more honorable if he reached into his pocket and said, ‘Yes, you owe this, but I’m going to pay it because I am a true son of the soil. I am a child of that house.’ It is that house that gave him the ticket to be chairman of the local government, made him the chief of staff to the governor, made him a minister, and eventually, the governor for eight years. Is this the way to say thank you?”

Wike Disowns His Party?

When asked if Wike’s actions amount to disowning his party, George emphatically agreed. He stressed that Wike has effectively declared an open war against the PDP, and party chieftains would be seen as irresponsible leaders if they failed to respond appropriately.

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The seasoned PDP chieftain declared, “Absolutely! What else can it be? That’s what I said. As a general, I’m stating clearly that he has crossed the red line. Once you cross that line, what else are you looking for? The party must convene. We must gather the leaders and members of the Board of Trustees. We own the party in trust for its members. We are responsible for safeguarding the assets and liabilities of the party for the benefit of our people. If a young man like Wike can do what he did—revoking the secretariat of our party—he has crossed the red line.”

“He has declared an open war. And it’s such a shame. We would be seen as irresponsible leaders and elders if we don’t take decisive action. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, when those people formed the disciplinary committee headed by Chief Tom Ikimi, I examined the membership. Ikimi, yes, he’s aligned with Atiku. The secretary of that same committee is also on Atiku’s side, and they invited me to join. I declined. First of all, Ikimi and I met in this party. So, I cannot serve on that committee. Secondly, the structure of that committee was flawed from the start. Where do you even begin? So, I’m urging our people to revisit these issues. Thankfully, by October or November this year, we are scheduled to hold a convention.”