Wike’s comments on Rivers crisis are dangerous and divisive – Bode George warns Tinubu
On Thursday, March 13, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, called on President Bola Tinubu to take action against the rhetoric of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to restore peace in Rivers State.
George strongly criticized Wike’s remarks about the political crisis in Rivers, describing them as “inflammatory, dangerous, and embarrassing.” He expressed concern that Wike’s comments were undermining Tinubu’s efforts to bring stability and peace to the region. “As a country, Rivers State is central to our economic and financial strength. What is happening there is not the path to peace. If a crisis erupts, it will affect everyone, not just Wike,” George warned.
He also took issue with Wike’s approach to politics, questioning his authority and leadership in Rivers. “Is Wike the Commander-in-Chief, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, or the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly?” George asked. “He attributes imaginary powers to himself, leaving people confused about who is truly in charge—Tinubu or Wike.” George recalled that Wike had not tolerated opposition as governor and expressed concern over his perceived overreach in the state’s politics.
In light of Wike’s recent media address, where he accused Governor Fubara of being tricked into paying bribes for a Supreme Court judgment, George demanded evidence to support the claims. He also criticized Wike for using a live broadcast to assert his dominance in Rivers politics. “A few hours before Wike’s media address, President Tinubu met with Niger Delta leaders to discuss solutions to the crisis. Is Wike trying to show that he is more powerful than the president?” George questioned.
George urged President Tinubu to intervene swiftly, just as he had done in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis, and suggested a meeting with Governor Fubara and Rivers lawmakers to resolve the issue. He warned that continued political instability in Rivers could lead to dangerous consequences, citing Nigeria’s history of crises in the First and Second Republics.
“I fought in the civil war. I know what war means. If General Benjamin Adekunle were alive, I would have asked him to explain its horrors to Wike. War is not something to toy with,” George cautioned.
He also appealed to Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, to advise her husband to calm down, stressing that silence from the people of Rivers should not be mistaken for ignorance. “During the civil war, I saw what happened between Bonny and Port Harcourt. Wike should be careful,” George warned.
Finally, George referenced a recent article by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, urging Wike to read it for a better understanding of the situation. He called on President Tinubu to act quickly, emphasizing the potential dangers of allowing the political crisis to escalate further. “A word is enough for the wise. Enough is enough,” George concluded.
