In a pointed critique, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asserted on Wednesday that the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, does not possess the authority to instruct National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu to resume his duties at the party’s National Secretariat.
Wike made these comments during the commissioning of the newly constructed interchange bridge of Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) over the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway). He clarified that Anyanwu is not Damagum’s appointee, and therefore, the acting chairman cannot dictate his actions.
“I watched on national television and heard when the Acting National Chairman of PDP was directing the National Secretary to resume,” Wike stated. “The National Secretary is not your appointee; he has been doing his work, so you can’t call him to resume because of the illegalities you perpetrate.”
Wike further emphasised Damagum’s lack of leadership, suggesting that his position was a result of his own failures. “You didn’t show leadership, which is why you put yourself where you are. It’s nobody’s making because the National Secretary has been working and will continue to work; he doesn’t require anybody to direct him to resume his work,” he added.
In addition to his comments about Anyanwu, Wike also took issue with the recent visit of PDP leaders, including Damagum, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He expressed disappointment at what he perceived as ignorance on the part of the PDP leaders regarding legal matters.
“If because of your ignorance of the law—too bad—the law does not recognise your ignorance,” Wike asserted. “I feel so bad when people can now move to INEC to direct them to obey Supreme Court judgment; it’s most unfortunate.”
Wike highlighted the absurdity of a political party seeking guidance from INEC on compliance with court rulings, stating, “When you shoot yourself, you say it’s somebody that shot you. Continue to shoot yourself; I will not be a party to those that will shoot themselves.”
He concluded his remarks by advising party leaders to seek knowledge and guidance rather than relying on ego or financial incentives. “When you don’t know something, ask the right person. If you want to learn, come and meet us; we will teach you how to go about it,” Wike urged, calling for a more informed and responsible approach to leadership within the party.
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