In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has demanded clarification on why Minister Nyesom Wike, a member of Tinubu’s cabinet and former governor of Rivers State, is keen on retaining party structures despite publicly declaring he won’t contest against the President in the 2027 presidential election.
Clark raised concerns about Wike’s actions, pointing out the apparent contradiction between his past criticism of godfatherism and his current involvement in party structures. He questioned the purpose of Wike keeping these structures, especially when there is a sitting governor in place.
Expressing worry about the potential chaos if all former governors followed a similar path, Clark urged President Tinubu to intervene and address the issue. He emphasized the importance of preventing a situation where governors insist on controlling their successors, state assemblies, and the structures they left behind.
Despite the President’s previous intervention in the Rivers crisis, Clark noted that Wike’s utterances and the recent defection of 27 members of the state house of assembly to the APC are indicators of ongoing tensions.
Clark stated, “The situation is not yet over, and things seem to be degenerating by the day.” He urged the President to address the matter promptly.
Drawing attention to Wike’s statement about not intending to contest the 2027 election, Clark expressed concern about the minister’s actions and called on President Tinubu to call him to order. He emphasized the need for ministers to focus on their official duties and the larger issues facing the nation.
In concluding his letter, Clark highlighted the significance of peace in Rivers State for the stability of the Niger Delta and the overall national economy. He stressed that any breakdown of law and order in the state would be detrimental to the interests of all.
