Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike responds to Edwin Clark’s remarks, insisting that Governor Fubara must confront the ongoing crisis in Rivers State instead of seeking external mediation.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, has responded to allegations made by Edwin Clark that he is leveraging his ties with President Bola Tinubu as a means of intimidating Governor Sim Fubara in Rivers State.
According to Wike, facing the crisis is an integral part of being a leader and therefore Fubara should stand up to it.
Clark wrote an open letter to the PDP national leadership, urging them to expel Wike due to his dispute with Fubara.
According to Clark’s disclosure, the minister was attempting to devastate Rivers State by opposing the governor.
There has been a dispute between Wike and Fubara regarding dominance in both the political sector and resources within Rivers State.
During his one year in office as FCT Minister, Wike spoke at a media briefing and expressed uncertainty about Chief Clark’s political affiliation. He recounted how back in 2014 when he announced his intention to run for office, Chief Clark opposed him on the grounds that it was time for an Ijaw candidate.
“He said that nothing would make me win, but I won to the glory of God.”
Although I advocated for an Ijaw man to become governor, at that time, I don’t believe myself to have been a bad person. However, due to current circumstances and unresolved matters – my behavior may reflect differently. Chief Clark has expressed viewpoints on every matter; regardless of this fact, I had taken an oath not retort in any way imaginable until now.
“What wrong have I done by supporting a southern President and believing in power rotation to the South, both of which he spoke about?”
“As a leader, smooth sailing is not always guaranteed. I myself encountered a crisis during my leadership role but instead of casting blame on others, I confronted the situation head-on. The Federal Government’s actions towards me were witnessed by all during that time and yet never once did I point fingers at any particular ethnic group.”
Politics demands that leaders confront crises, whether positive or negative. As a leader, you must have the strength to face them head-on.
