By Milcah Tanimu
Edwin Clark, a respected Ijaw leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, has formally requested the arrest and prosecution of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Clark’s plea was addressed to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, urging swift action in response to Wike’s recent statements.
During a press briefing at his Asokoro residence on Thursday, Clark expressed grave concerns over Wike’s inflammatory remarks made during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress in Port Harcourt. Wike’s statements included threats to incite violence against PDP governors who he alleged were attempting to interfere in the party’s internal matters in Rivers State.
“Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see, you take,” Wike had stated.
Clark condemned these remarks as a “blatant disrespect” towards President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Wike to his current role. He characterized Wike’s comments as potentially inciting violence and a serious breach of public order. According to Clark, such remarks could destabilize the nation and represent a form of treason.
Drawing a comparison, Clark noted that activists like Omoyele Sowore, who were detained for similar offenses, faced legal action. He called on the IGP to take equivalent action against Wike, emphasizing the need for legal consequences to maintain public peace and order. Clark’s intervention highlights the ongoing tensions within Nigerian politics and the broader implications of inflammatory rhetoric in a politically charged environment.
