Leadnaija
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his inflammatory comments on the Rivers State political crisis.
In a statement, George described Wike’s rhetoric as “dangerous and embarrassing,” warning that it could undermine Tinubu’s efforts to resolve the crisis.
He noted that following the President’s meeting with Niger Delta leaders to find a peaceful resolution, Wike’s media outburst had effectively “rubbished” Tinubu’s intervention.
“If I were the President, I wouldn’t tolerate a minister publicly embarrassing my administration this way,” George stated.
He cautioned that Rivers State, as Nigeria’s economic hub, cannot afford to be destabilized.
“If a crisis erupts, it won’t only affect Wike—it will affect everyone,” he warned.
George questioned Wike’s repeated claims of political dominance, reminding him that he, too, was once helped to power.
His words: “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 talking about?”
He also criticized Wike for allegedly attributing “imaginary powers” to himself, making it seem as though he controlled all arms of government in Rivers State.
“Is he the Commander-in-Chief? The Chief Justice? The Speaker of the State Assembly? Wike talks as if he controls everyone, including Tinubu,” he queried.
George expressed deep concerns about the direction of the crisis, comparing it to past political turmoil in Nigeria’s history.
He said: “History has taught us that you only know the beginning of a crisis, never where it will end.”
Referring to Wike’s recent televised address, George questioned its necessity. “Which minister pays for a live broadcast just to prove they are a godfather in their state?”
He also condemned Wike’s claim that “nothing will happen” if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is impeached, asking, “Is Wike God?”
George urged Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, to intervene, calling on the minister to embrace peace.
He said: “This is the season of Lent. There is something called forgiveness. Wike should read Professor Chidi Odinkalu’s analysis on this matter—nobody can fault his conclusions.”
Finally, he warned that the crisis in Rivers could be part of an All Progressives Congress (APC) strategy to seize power by force.
“I see this as an APC game plan, and I urge Tinubu to call Wike to order before it spirals out of control,” he concluded.
