Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned recent remarks by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asserting that the PDP did not shape his political career.
George described Wike’s statement as a “disgusting abomination.”
Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, George emphasized that the PDP is a strong and enduring political party, likening it to an “iroko tree” that remains steadfast despite challenges.
“The comment of the young man (Wike) because he is the same age as my first son, to me it’s a disgusting abomination,” George said.
George urged Wike to reflect on the transient nature of life and power, citing William Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.”
He emphasized that Wike’s comments were not only ungrateful but also shortsighted.
The PDP chieftain highlighted Wike’s rise to prominence within the PDP, noting that the party had supported his career, including his tenure as governor of Rivers State.
“You are now saying that it is the individual that has the capacity but my young man, look, if you see any ballot box did you see the names of any individuals written on the ballot papers?” George questioned.
George stressed that the PDP is a collective entity owned by its members, with rules and regulations guiding its operations.
“Our party is not like APC, owned by an individual. Our party was established with rules and regulations. There’s no individual who owns this party (PDP),” he said.
The former PDP deputy chairman emphasized that the party’s Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that members adhere to the party’s principles.
“We own the party, we own the assets and the liabilities of the party. When people start to misbehave, it is the responsibility of the members of the board of trustees to knock everybody back in line,” George explained.
George’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the PDP, with some members calling for greater accountability and adherence to the party’s constitution. In response to Wike’s comments, George chose to focus on the PDP’s strengths and prospects rather than engaging in a personal attack.
“I don’t want to waste my time talking about Wike, as I had told you, that is a disgusting abomination… I would like to talk about our party – the future of our party, the strength of our party and the need to convince Nigerians that this our party is in a much better position to handle the problems that are plaguing every Nigerian,” he said.
George expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to deliver goods to the people, saying, “We have the records, the capacity to deliver the goods to the people of Nigeria.”