Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to curb the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, warning that his inflammatory remarks could further escalate the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a strongly worded statement, George described Wike’s recent rhetoric as both “dangerous and embarrassing,” cautioning that it undermines Tinubu’s efforts to mediate peace in the region.
He expressed concern that Wike’s media outbursts had effectively “rubbished” the President’s intervention following a high-level meeting with Niger Delta leaders.
“If I were the President, I wouldn’t tolerate a minister publicly embarrassing my administration in this manner,” George said.
Highlighting the strategic economic importance of Rivers State, he warned that instability in the region would have far-reaching consequences.
“If a crisis erupts, it won’t just affect Wike, it will affect the entire country,” he cautioned.
‘Wike Was Also Helped to Power’
George also questioned Wike’s repeated assertions of political supremacy, reminding him that he, too, benefited from political support in the past.
“Did he drop from the sky? Someone made him a council chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister, and later Governor. Now, someone made him a minister. So what exactly is he boasting about?” he queried.
He further criticized Wike for allegedly portraying himself as the ultimate authority in Rivers State, as if he controlled all branches of government.
“Is he the Commander-in-Chief? The Chief Justice? The Speaker of the State Assembly? Wike speaks as if he controls everyone, including President Tinubu,” he said.
‘History Warns Us About Unchecked Political Crises’
Expressing deep concern over the situation, George drew parallels to past political upheavals in Nigeria, stressing that once a crisis begins, its trajectory is unpredictable.
He also took issue with Wike’s decision to address the nation in a televised speech, questioning the necessity of such a move.
“Which minister pays for a live broadcast just to prove they are a godfather in their state?” he asked.
Reacting to Wike’s statement that “nothing will happen” if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is impeached, George asked, “Is Wike God?”
A Call for Restraint and Reflection
George urged Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, to step in and encourage her husband to embrace peace, particularly in the spirit of the ongoing Lenten season.
“This is a time for forgiveness. Wike should read Professor Chidi Odinkalu’s analysis on this matter, nobody can fault his conclusions,” he advised.
Finally, he speculated that the ongoing crisis could be part of a broader strategy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to seize power in the state.
“I see this as an APC game plan, and I urge Tinubu to call Wike to order before things spiral out of control,” he concluded.
