Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark expressed disappointment with the recent NEC meeting of the PDP, citing the party's failure to address urgent concerns, including those raised by stakeholders like the 60 House of Representatives members.
According to a recent report by Nigerian Tribune, Chief Clark criticized the dominance of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a prominent party member, in the meeting, which focused more on reconciliation than addressing critical issues or taking disciplinary actions.
Chief Clark questioned the sincerity of the PDP's criticism of the government's policies, particularly in light of Wike's involvement in President Tinubu's cabinet.
He highlighted Wike's influential role as a 'strong man and financier' of the PDP, expressing concern about his simultaneous involvement in Tinubu's government.
In Chief Clark's words: "The NEC showed obvious weakness by allowing Nyesom Wike to bamboozle everyone in the meeting. No one was ready to speak truth to power.
Therefore, emphasis was put on a reconciliation committee and not the disciplinary committee which was earlier set up under the chairmanship of His Excellency, Emmanuel Udom, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State"
"It was therefore, unfortunately, Wike’s day, and a confirmation of Wike’s earlier claim that PDP approved his joining President Tinubu’s cabinet as Minister.
One wonders the sincerity of the PDP when they criticise and condemn some of the policies of the government at the centre, when their “strong man and financier” Nyesom Wike is a major player in the government of President Tinubu.
Especially, when viewed against the back drop of his leading the 7-man Caretaker Committee of the APC in Rivers State, led by his nominee, Mr. Tony Okocha."