IKOYI, Nigeria – Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State by calling the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to order.
George described Wike’s recent rhetoric as “inflammatory, dangerous, and embarrassing,” warning that it could escalate tensions in the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, March 13, 2025, George criticised Wike’s media parley, which he said undermined President Tinubu’s efforts to broker peace in Rivers State.
“Wike’s outburst completely rubbished everything Tinubu tried to achieve. Unless the President is not telling us the whole truth, because I don’t know why I would be President and a minister would embarrass my administration publicly that way,” George said.
He emphasised the strategic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s economy, stating, “As a country, Rivers State is the centre of our economic activity and financial strength. What is going on now is not the fastest track to peace. If a crisis starts, it will not only affect Wike but everybody.”
George questioned Wike’s motives and actions, “When he was governor for eight years, did he tolerate opposing views? Is it because Governor Fubara is a gentleman that he is trying to rubbish him?”
He also challenged Wike’s claims of influence, asking, “Is Wike the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces? Is he the Chief Justice of Nigeria or Chief Judge of Rivers State? Is he the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly? Does he control all the forces in the state?”
“When he talks, he attributes so much imaginary power to himself to the extent that people are now confused about who exactly is in charge between Tinubu and Wike.”
He urged Tinubu to take decisive action, drawing parallels to the President’s intervention in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis.
“Tinubu saw the dimension the Lagos House of Assembly crisis was heading, which was why he quickly invited the lawmakers to Abuja. This is the time for him to also invite Fubara and Rivers lawmakers to a meeting immediately,” George said.
George also appealed to Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, to intervene and calm her husband.
“What Wike is doing is completely unnecessary and unacceptable. It is only somebody who doesn’t know what he is doing who will be beating the drum of war,” he said.
He warned of the dangers of escalating tensions, recalling Nigeria’s history of political crises.
“The First Republic crisis started like this in Ibadan in 1962. The Second Republic crisis also started like this in the old Ondo State in 1983. I see what is going on in Rivers as an APC game plan to take power by force, and I am advising Tinubu to call Wike to order immediately,” George said.
