Rivers Crisis: Edwin Clark Demands Wike's Arrest and Trial for Treason
Elder statesman and prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has called for the immediate arrest of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, citing charges of treason. The call comes in response to Wike's recent threats to "set fire" to states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a visit by PDP governors to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Clark, in a public statement, urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to take swift action in arresting Wike and ensuring that he is brought to justice for his inciting remarks. He also expressed concerns that Wike’s actions could endanger public peace and national security, while questioning the moral and legal implications of such statements from a sitting government official.
Clark's Call for Legal Action
In a letter addressed to the IGP, which was read to journalists in Abuja, Clark emphasized the need for law enforcement to act without bias or partiality, even in light of Wike's close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged the President not to allow his personal relationship with Wike to compromise the nation's security or legal integrity.
“I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police to do his constitutional duty and ensure that law and order are upheld without favoritism. Wike’s threats to PDP-controlled states are not only a violation of public peace but also amount to incitement—a grave offense under Nigerian law,” Clark stated.
The elder statesman referred to various legal provisions, including the Public Officer Protection Act and the Violence Against Persons Protection Act, to support his call for Wike’s immediate arrest and prosecution. Clark asserted that Wike’s actions border on treason, a charge that should not be taken lightly.
“Wike has committed treason and should be arrested with a warrant,” Clark wrote, adding that Wike appears to be exerting undue influence over the nation's political and judicial systems. “He believes the only person he respects is the President. Today, Wike is controlling everything, including the judiciary.”
Criticism of Wike's Political Maneuvering
Clark did not hold back in his criticism of Wike’s political ambitions, accusing him of playing both sides of the political spectrum. He described Wike as having “one leg in the PDP and one leg in the APC,” insinuating that the former governor's allegiances are motivated by a desire to protect his personal interests.
“Wike is already dancing naked in the marketplace,” Clark said, using a traditional metaphor to describe the Minister’s precarious political position. “Either he wants a political structure to shield the money he has accumulated in Rivers State, or he is seeking other forms of protection.”
Clark warned that Wike’s threats could incite violence among the youth in the states he mentioned. “The youth of the states he threatened to set on fire will not sit idle and watch him carry out such threats. The consequences could be disastrous.”
A Threat to National Stability
The elder statesman expressed disappointment that a sitting Minister could make such inflammatory statements without repercussion, labeling it as a “flagrant disrespect” to President Tinubu and a threat to the nation's stability.
“It is a blatant act of disrespect toward the person of President Tinubu, and it undermines the peace and security of the country,” Clark wrote, urging the President to take decisive action against Wike to safeguard national interests.
Beyond his public remarks, Clark questioned Wike's moral standing, citing the Minister's controversial financial dealings during his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State. He raised concerns over Wike’s accumulation of wealth and the potential misuse of state resources for personal gain.
Call for Investigation into Wike's Wealth
In addition to calling for Wike’s arrest, Clark demanded a thorough investigation into the former governor’s financial dealings, particularly his property acquisitions in both Rivers State and Abuja. He alleged that Wike’s amassed wealth raises red flags and called for greater scrutiny of how state resources may have been funneled into personal projects.
Clark's criticism extends to Wike's lavish lifestyle, which he believes is inconsistent with his public service record. “The sources of Wike’s wealth should be investigated, especially the properties he has acquired in Abuja and Rivers State,” Clark asserted.
The elder statesman called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to look into Wike’s finances and ensure transparency and accountability in his dealings.
A Call for Unity Among PDP Leaders
Clark also appealed to PDP leaders and all Nigerians who value justice and peace to unite in opposing Wike's "inordinate ambition" to control the political structure of Rivers State. He cautioned that Wike’s attempts to assert dominance could destabilize the region and undermine the principles of democracy.
“We must stand together against Wike’s ambition to manipulate the political landscape in Rivers State. His actions are detrimental to the democratic process and could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the state,” Clark warned.
He urged PDP members to adhere to the party's constitution and use all legal means to resist any unlawful actions by the FCT Minister. “The PDP must remain vigilant and ensure that the party's constitution is upheld, and that Wike's actions are resisted through lawful and constitutional means.”
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
In closing, Chief Edwin Clark reiterated his call for immediate action by the police and the government, emphasizing that no one should be above the law. He warned that failure to hold Wike accountable for his actions could have serious implications for Nigeria’s peace and stability.
“As a nation, we cannot afford to allow individuals, no matter their position or influence, to undermine the rule of law and public order,” Clark concluded. “Wike must be arrested, tried, and held accountable for his statements and actions before it is too late.”
The letter to the IGP serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility of public officials to uphold the law and maintain national unity, irrespective of their personal affiliations or political ambitions. Clark's call for Wike's arrest underscores the importance of accountability in governance and the need to safeguard Nigeria’s fragile democracy from internal threats.
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