Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has appealed to Edwin Clark, the prominent leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), to adopt a more inclusive and rational approach in addressing pressing issues.
Damagum, who emphasized his upbringing that instills respect for elders, expressed criticism towards Clark for his recent comments on the political turmoil within the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, particularly pertaining to Minister Nyesom Wike. Reports indicate that Clark has previously urged Damagum, in a public statement, to expel Wike from the party to ensure stability.
In a letter directed at the party’s leadership, Clark accused Wike of leveraging his close ties with President Bola Tinubu to exert pressure on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, as well as on the party itself. Clark asserted that he could not stand by idly while Wike allegedly bullied the governor, emphasizing that such conduct is intolerable and must be addressed to protect the party and its members.
“Dear Mr. Acting National Chairman, it’s not just the National Legal Adviser of the PDP who is astonished by your actions; numerous dedicated and principled party members, along with many citizens, share this sentiment,” Clark noted. He further accused Damagum and the National Secretary of engaging in activities detrimental to the party, suggesting they are being manipulated by Wike to undermine Governor Fubara’s leadership.
Clark continued, “Wike’s recent actions, particularly before and during the last party meeting in April, clearly indicate his intent to disrupt the effective governance of Rivers State. He is ready to weaponize his relationship with the President to insult, intimidate, and undermine party members, especially those who have supported him during his tenure as governor.”
The ongoing feud between Wike and Fubara has severely hampered governance in Rivers State, resulting in a split within the State House of Assembly, where factions have emerged. One faction, led by Martin Amaewhule, aligns with Wike, while another, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, remains loyal to Fubara.
Despite attempts by President Tinubu and other senior leaders to mediate the conflict, efforts to reconcile the two factions have proven futile, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
In response to the unfolding drama, during the inauguration of the PDP National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees in Abuja, Damagum advised Clark to consider his age and avoid public disputes. “He has the capability to take decisive action instead of resorting to emotional responses,” Damagum remarked.
He added, “As Olisah Metuh noted back in 2015 when Clark departed from the party, while he is undoubtedly an elder statesman, one would expect that he possesses the wisdom to lead by example rather than engage in public confrontations.”
“I was raised to show respect to my elders, so I do not wish to prolong this discussion further,” Damagum concluded.
