Elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, has called for the immediate arrest of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over remarks he made in Rivers state.
The former governor of Rivers allegedly threatened to “put fire” in the states of governors who are aligning with Siminalayi Fubara, the current Rivers governor.
In a strongly worded letter titled “Arrest Wike Now With a Warrant of Arrest,” addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Clark condemned Wike’s comments, asserting that they are a direct threat to public peace.
The letter reflects the escalating political rift between Wike and Governor Fubara, which has led to two factions emerging within the Rivers House of Assembly, each electing a speaker loyal to either politician.
Clark, in his letter, did not mince words, stating, “Wike has gone overboard in his macabre dance,” and urged the IGP to act swiftly.
He cited the law to emphasize his point: “As we lawyers say, nobody is above the law and the law must take its course.”
He further referenced past actions taken by the Nigerian police force, drawing parallels to the arrests of political activists.
“If you could in the past arrest Omoyele Sowore for similar or less implicating threats against public peace and public officials, if you are right now leading prosecution in law courts against people who participated in ‘End Bad Governance’ protest, what are you waiting to act in this case of Wike?”
The former federal minister expressed his dismay that a high-ranking public official, appointed by the current President, could engage in such behavior.
“At well over 97 years of age, and having held various positions in government including being a Minister over 50 years ago, I am shocked that a public officer who is an appointee of a serving President can descend to this level,” Clark lamented.
He also criticized Wike’s alleged attempts to undermine Fubara’s leadership in Rivers state, accusing the minister of trying to install his ally, former Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, as governor.
“There is nothing that Wike has not done in his attempt to sabotage the government of Siminalayi Fubara… But all have failed.”
In closing, Clark stressed that Wike should not be allowed to arbitrarily change the internal dynamics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to personal conflicts.
He emphasized that Governor Fubara remains the leader of the PDP in Rivers and should be respected as such.
Wike’s comments and the ongoing political conflict in Rivers state have raised concerns about the stability of governance and public order in the state, with many watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
The Inspector General of Police is yet to respond to Clark’s demands.