Clark: Wike Must Leave PDP For Party to Survive

Prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), should leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the party to overcome its current challenges.

In a recent letter to the PDP’s national leadership, Clark called for a thorough investigation into Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, particularly concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, and recommended appropriate disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, the PDP is set to inaugurate its newly established reconciliation and disciplinary committees today. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made this announcement in a statement yesterday.

Clark, a former Information Minister during the First Republic, insisted in his third letter to the PDP that if Wike is found guilty, he should be expelled from the party. He expressed concern that the PDP is at risk of extinction if Wike remains, given his alleged disruptive behavior.

In his letter, dated August 20, 2024, and addressed to the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, Clark emphasized the need for the National Working Committee (NWC) to take decisive action against Wike to save the party. He warned that unchecked behavior could become too destructive to control.

Clark stated, “We already have enough issues as a nation because those responsible did not act quickly when problems were emerging.” He urged the immediate establishment of a panel to investigate members like Wike and enforce appropriate sanctions if necessary.

Clark also criticized the formation of a reconciliation committee under the chairmanship of Maj. Gen. Oyinlola, questioning its purpose, as the G-5 members have largely disbanded. He pointed out that while the governor of Oyo State has returned to the party and is now a leader in the South-west, the other three former G-5 members are now politically adrift.

Clark further urged Damagum to rid himself of any wrongdoing, noting that his actions, such as taking the PDP’s National Working Committee to court over the defection of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members, contradict the constitution and harm the party’s integrity. Clark accused Damagum of colluding with Wike to undermine the PDP and warned that a day of reckoning would come.

The PDP will proceed today with the inauguration of its recently formed reconciliation and disciplinary committees. According to Ologunagba, the 25-member reconciliation committee is chaired by former Osun State governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, with former Gombe State governor Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo as the secretary. The 26-member disciplinary committee is led by Chief Tom Ikimi as chairman, with Eyitayo Jegede as secretary. Other notable members include Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Chief Olabode George, Margaret Icheen, Dr. Sam Egwu, and Alhaji Abubakar Baraje.