Bode George Urges Tinubu To Caution Wike Over Rivers Crisis

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to prevent further escalation of the political crisis in Rivers State.

George, in a statement released on Thursday reacting to Wike’s recent media statements, described his remarks as “inflammatory, dangerous, and embarrassing.”

Naijaonpoint reports that he accused the minister of undermining Tinubu’s efforts at fostering peace and questioned why the president would allow such public embarrassment from a serving minister.

“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.

Criticizing Wike for being too verbose, George recalled that the former Rivers governor did not tolerate opposition during his tenure.

He questioned Wike’s claim that he “made” Governor Siminalayi Fubara, arguing that Wike himself was once supported by others.

“Now, he claims to have made Governor Fubara. Did no one help him become governor in 2015? He didn’t fall from the sky. He was supported to become a council chairman, chief of staff, minister, and then governor. Now, someone helped him become a minister. So, what exactly is he talking about?” George asked.

George expressed concern over Wike’s perceived overreach in Rivers’ politics, questioning his authority.

“Is Wike the Commander-in-Chief, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, or the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly? He attributes imaginary powers to himself, leaving people confused about who is truly in charge—Tinubu or Wike,” he said.

George urged Tinubu to take decisive action, recalling how the president swiftly intervened in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis.

“This is the time for him to invite Governor Fubara and Rivers lawmakers for a meeting,” he advised.

Addressing Wike’s claim that Fubara was defrauded into paying bribes for a Supreme Court judgment, George asked, “Do you have proof?” He also criticized Wike for orchestrating a live broadcast to assert 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? That nobody can control him?” he queried.

‘History Warns Against Political Instability’

George warned of the dangers of inciting political instability, referencing past crises in Nigeria’s 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,” he cautioned.

He urged Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, to advise her husband to tone down his rhetoric, emphasizing that silence from the people of Rivers does not mean they are unaware.

“During the civil war, I saw what happened between Bonny and Port Harcourt. Wike should be careful,” he said.

George referenced a recent article by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, urging Wike to read it for a better understanding of the situation. He also called on Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that history has shown how political crises can spiral out of control.

“A word is enough for the wise. Enough is enough,” he concluded.