In anticipation of the upcoming People's Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Chief Edwin Clark, a respected South-South leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, is advocating for a thorough investigation into the conduct of key party figures during the 2023 elections. This examination seeks to uncover the underlying reasons behind the party's electoral setbacks, as reported by Vanguard.
Clark has voiced strong criticisms of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and former Governor of Rivers State. He perceives Wike as a significant obstacle to the PDP, alleging that Wike has been actively manipulating internal party dynamics to sow discord and undermine party unity.
Emphasizing the need to address Wike's alleged misconduct, Clark is calling for the establishment of a robust disciplinary committee comprised of individuals known for their integrity and resistance to financial influence. This, he believes, will ensure an impartial and fair assessment of the accusations against Wike.
While acknowledging that Wike may have initially had legitimate grievances regarding the PDP's presidential primary election, Clark argues that Wike's subsequent actions have crossed acceptable boundaries. He is particularly concerned about Wike's apparent assumption of leadership roles in both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) within Rivers State, which Clark describes as politically ambiguous.
Further delving into Wike's alleged influence within the APC, Clark highlights Wike's purported orchestration of a caretaker committee within the APC's Rivers State chapter. Led by Mr. Tony Okocha, this committee is seen by Clark as a means through which Okocha aims to undermine, harass, and potentially discredit Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State.
Clark remarked, "The situation mirrors that within the PDP in the State, where Barr. Wike recently removed the State Chairman and recommended him for a federal appointment. Now, with his control over both the PDP and APC in Rivers State, he has appointed some APC members as caretaker committee members of the party in Rivers State."