Rivers: Elder statesman, Edwin Clark Frowns, asks Tinubu to call Wike to order

Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has raised concerns about the actions of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, questioned Wike’s retention of party structures despite publicly stating that he would not run against the President in the 2027 presidential election.

Clark highlighted the irony of Wike, previously an opponent of godfatherism, now allegedly seeking to control party structures, particularly in Rivers State, potentially influencing the governance of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

The PANDEF leader emphasized the potential repercussions if former governors, like Wike, persist in controlling their successors and the state assemblies, warning of widespread confusion in Nigeria.

Clark expressed his gratitude for President Tinubu’s previous intervention in the Rivers crisis but cautioned that Wike’s recent remarks and the defection of 27 members of the state House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) indicated lingering tensions.

He questioned the necessity for Wike, who held significant political positions, including ministerial roles and an eight-year tenure as governor, to maintain such structures, especially considering his public declaration of not contesting the 2027 election.

Clark urged the President to address Wike’s actions, emphasizing the significance of maintaining peace in Rivers State for the stability of the Niger Delta and the national economy.

Recognizing Wike and Governor Fubara as “my sons,” Clark reiterated his commitment to restoring peace in Rivers State, stressing its critical role in regional stability and the national economy.

Part of the letter to Tinubu read: “As a member of your cabinet, you may need to call this minister to order to face the work in the quietness which is demanded of him.

“He should focus on his office and know that he is just one among a cabinet of 48 persons, besides the Vice President and yourself.

“The country has enough problems which your government must sit down to solve.

“Besides, Rivers State is very important to the stability of the Niger Delta and the overall national economy. Therefore, any breakdown of law and order there will not be in the overall interest of all.”