Dr. Tom Fredfish, a youth activist and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the inaction of top party officials regarding the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
Recently, the conflict escalated when the Appeal Court overturned a ruling from the Rivers State High Court that had prevented 27 former members of the State House of Assembly from serving as legislators. This dispute originated from a power struggle between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, over control of both the PDP structure in the state and its finances.
Speaking to reporters in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Fredfish expressed disappointment at what he described as “the glaring silence of the national PDP leadership and senior party figures.” He emphasized the urgency of their intervention, stating, “They must speak out now or face serious consequences.”
“The heart of these issues lies in Wike’s persistent efforts to retain control over Rivers State’s political apparatus, even after leaving the governor’s office,” Fredfish continued. “Many Nigerians are puzzled as to why the PDP and other stakeholders have refrained from taking a decisive stance in support of the governor. Are they avoiding the truth? Are they fearful of Nyesom Wike? Why are they hesitant to denounce Wike’s authoritarian ambitions?”
Fredfish expressed particular concern over the apparent neutrality of Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, former presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and PDP National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagun, in a matter that directly impacts their party’s future. He criticized their silence as “shameful, disappointing, and a breach of trust,” accusing them of abandoning the principles of justice, unity, and progress upon which the PDP was founded.
“The PDP’s motto is justice, unity, and progress,” Fredfish asserted. “But where is justice when 27 defectors, who publicly left the PDP, now claim membership? Where is unity if party leaders fail to confront Wike’s disruptive influence and unify our ranks? How can we speak of progress when internal discord undermines our role as Nigeria’s primary opposition party?”
Fredfish concluded by condemning the silence towards those who seek to undermine Governor Sim Fubara, a fellow PDP member, as a betrayal. “It’s astounding,” he added, “that while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticizes the APC-led government regularly, he remains silent on anti-democratic actions in Rivers State.”
In essence, Fredfish’s remarks underscored his deep concern over the crisis in Rivers State and the perceived indifference of PDP leadership, urging them to take a decisive stand for the party’s integrity and the principles it claims to uphold.
