Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his public statements regarding the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement, George criticized Wike’s remarks as inflammatory and potentially detrimental to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
He expressed concern that Wike’s comments could further destabilize the state, despite Tinubu’s recent mediation efforts.
He noted that following Tinubu’s meeting with Niger Delta leaders to restore peace in Rivers, Wike’s public outbursts appeared to undermine the President’s intervention.
“If I were in the President’s position, I wouldn’t tolerate a minister making statements that embarrass the administration,” George stated, adding that Rivers State plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic stability and must not be plunged into chaos.
The PDP chieftain also questioned Wike’s claims of political dominance, reminding him that his rise to power was facilitated by others.
“No leader emerges without support. He was once a council chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister, and later Governor, all with the backing of others. Even his current ministerial appointment was given to him. So, what exactly is he trying to prove?” George asked.
Expressing concern over Wike’s perceived influence in the state, he accused him of acting as though he controlled every arm of government in Rivers.
“Is he the Commander-in-Chief? The Chief Justice? The Speaker of the House? His statements suggest he holds unchecked power, even over the President,” he remarked.
George further warned that political crises in Nigeria often escalate unpredictably, drawing parallels to past conflicts.
He also questioned the necessity of Wike’s recent live broadcast, arguing that no minister should need to pay for airtime simply to reinforce their political authority.
“What kind of minister pays for a live television broadcast just to assert himself as a political godfather?” he asked, also condemning Wike’s assertion that removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office would have no significant consequences.
George urged Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, to encourage him to embrace peace, particularly during the season of Lent.
He referenced Professor Chidi Odinkalu’s analysis of the situation, advising Wike to reflect on the broader implications of his actions.
Concluding his statement, George suggested that the crisis in Rivers State might be part of a larger strategy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to assert control.
“This situation seems to align with a broader APC agenda, and I call on Tinubu to act swiftly before matters spiral out of control,” he cautioned.