Federal High Court Ruling Validates Counsel to Suspend Wike, Says Former nPDP Spokesperson
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a recent development, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), has expressed his satisfaction with the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court.
The court ruling gave political parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to discipline erring members in accordance with existing laws. The Former nPDP spokesperson, had advocated for the prompt suspension of former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, who allegedly intended to manipulate the elections in favour of his personal agenda against the PDP’s flag-bearer, Alh. Atiku Abubakar.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, June 31, 2023, pertained to a suit filed by Nyesom Wike, represented by his lawyer, Joshua Musa SAN, prior to the 2023 general elections.
Wike sought a court order to prevent the PDP from taking action against him without affording him a fair hearing. Justice James Omotosho, after reviewing the parties’ submissions and counsels’ arguments, declared that the party possessed the right to suspend or expel its members, provided such actions were taken in compliance with its internal regulations.
In a statement issued to the media, Chief Eze revealed his close association with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Chief Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and the self-proclaimed Media Aide to President Tinubu during the tenure of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the ex-Minister of Transportation. Based on his privileged position, Chief Eze claimed the ability to anticipate the intentions and actions of both individuals.
According to Chief Eze, after Wike failed to secure the PDP Presidential ticket during the party’s primaries, he embarked on a campaign to position himself as the PDP’s Vice Presidential candidate. He even sent a memo to Atiku Abubakar, warning him to distance himself from Wike and instead select then Delta Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate. Atiku, receiving similar advice from other well-meaning Nigerians and associates, eventually followed this counsel.
Following Atiku’s announcement of Okowa as his running mate, Wike began exhibiting behavior that Chief Eze regarded as petty and potentially harmful to the party. Chief Eze claimed to have offered his counsel to the presidential candidate and the PDP leadership, suggesting the swift suspension or expulsion of Wike to spare the party from the embarrassment he was likely to cause. Unfortunately, the stakeholders did not act on this advice, believing that Wike might exhibit genuine repentance through dialogue.
Chief Eze emphasized that Wike’s actions, along with those of his misguided associates, were widely known. He argued that if the PDP had heeded his patriotic counsel and shown Wike the door, the party would not be facing its current challenges. However, with the recent court judgment in the party’s favor, Chief Eze believes the PDP still has an opportunity to expel figures like Wike and embark on a rebuilding process to regain lost ground.
Chief Eze further stated that his stance was motivated by the need for a vibrant and coordinated opposition in the country. He emphasized the importance of opposition parties in closely monitoring government policies and serving as watchdogs for the interests of Nigerians.
Expressing little surprise, Chief Eze criticized Wike’s recent behavior of acting as an errand boy in Aso Rock and meddling in the affairs of officials from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While still claiming to be a member of the PDP, Wike’s actions raised suspicions. Chief Eze dismissed Wike’s claims of working for the APC and its Presidential candidate, highlighting that his actions only tarnished the image of Bola Tinubu, a seasoned democrat. He cautioned the President to be cautious of this mischievous character within his ranks, as falling prey to Wike’s manipulations always leads to regret.
Reminding Tinubu of Wike’s past actions, including abandoning former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, and Amaechi, Chief Eze warned that no matter the favors extended to Wike today, he is likely to display his customary treachery when the time is ripe. Chief Eze also revealed Wike’s political ambitions beyond the 2023 elections, suggesting that Wike is eyeing the PDP’s structure to further his own presidential project in 2027. He urged the PDP not to handle Wike with kid gloves unless the party is not yet prepared to build a formidable force for future endeavors.
