The PDP National Progressive Youth Initiative, a prominent youth group within Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP), issued a stern warning to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters in the National Assembly, urging them to focus on accountability. This statement, released on Friday evening, specifically addresses recent comments made by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a representative of Ideato North-South Federal Constituency in Imo State, who has been openly critical of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ugochinyere, a known advocate of Governor Fubara’s policies in Rivers State, has frequently criticized Minister Wike. In his latest comments, Ugochinyere alleged that a faction within the APC, which he claims is aligned with Wike, is pursuing court orders to obstruct Governor Fubara’s access to state allocations, threatening financial stability for the people of Rivers. “The APC and the pro-Wike group are filing a suit at the Federal High Court to seize Rivers State’s allocation,” Ugochinyere claimed, suggesting this is part of a larger attempt by the Wike faction to instigate a constitutional crisis.
The PDP Youth Initiative, represented by President Comrade Billy Matthew Nwachukwu and Secretary General David Terna Gondo, denounced these remarks, arguing that Ugochinyere and Fubara are diverting attention from critical governance issues, including the failure to conduct proper local government elections in Rivers State. “Governor Fubara and Rep. Ugochinyere are avoiding public accountability,” the statement read, “and attempting to blame the judiciary and the FCT Minister for their own shortcomings.”
The youth group expressed concern over what it calls “blackmail tactics” and the lack of transparency exhibited by certain lawmakers in the National Assembly. They called on the constituents of Ideato Federal Constituency to hold their representative accountable and encourage him to prioritize legislative duties over what they deemed “unprofessional attacks” on Wike. “If Ugochinyere is unable to fulfill his role as a lawmaker, he should allow someone more qualified to represent the people,” the youth group suggested.
The PDP Youth Initiative also warned that if Speaker Tajudeen Abbas does not address what they see as inappropriate conduct from Ugochinyere, they would consider organizing a protest at the National Assembly. They emphasized Wike’s ongoing contributions to Nigeria through infrastructure initiatives in the FCT, and praised his efforts as essential to both the government and President Tinubu’s administration.
This public admonition underscores the PDP Youth Initiative’s commitment to fostering accountability within its ranks while advocating for responsible governance across all levels.
