Tinubu’s Late Intervention in Rivers Crisis Skewed in Favour of Wike, Timi Frank Alleges
Introduction
Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the political unrest in Rivers State. Frank has criticized Tinubu’s intervention as not only belated but also biased, alleging that the President's actions are skewed in favor of a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Frank further claims that this favoritism could have long-term implications for both the political stability of Rivers State and the future of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Tinubu’s Intervention Comes Too Late
On Monday, President Tinubu ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate steps to restore law and order in Rivers State. This directive came after local government secretariats were set ablaze by individuals believed to be aligned with Wike. While this intervention was intended to quell rising tensions, Frank criticized the timing, stating that the President's response came too late to prevent the violence.
According to Frank, the damage had already been done by the time the President acted, raising suspicions about the motives behind the delayed response. The destruction of local government infrastructure without timely police action has fueled concerns that Tinubu’s intervention may be more about political expediency than genuine governance.
Allegations of Bias in Favor of Wike
Frank strongly alleged that President Tinubu’s intervention is not only delayed but also biased. He claims that the President’s actions are designed to support Wike’s faction in the ongoing political conflict with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Frank pointed out that the President’s failure to take decisive action against Wike, despite his alleged involvement in inciting violence, has emboldened the minister and his loyalists.
"Wike has been boasting that he has the President’s blessings to do and undo in Rivers State," Frank said, suggesting that Wike’s influence has led to the destabilization of Governor Fubara’s administration. Frank argued that this perceived favoritism is aimed at leveraging Wike’s political influence in Rivers State, a vital oil-producing region, to secure Tinubu’s future political ambitions, particularly with an eye on the 2027 presidential election.
Call for Resignation of Wike and IGP
In a strongly worded statement, Frank called for the immediate resignation of both Wike and IGP Egbetokun. He holds them responsible for the recent acts of arson in Rivers State, particularly the burning of the local government secretariats. According to Frank, the failure of law enforcement to prevent or control the violence suggests complicity or negligence at the highest levels.
"It is highly unfortunate that the president is being perceived as tacitly encouraging his minister to cause mayhem in Rivers State because he thinks it will benefit him in the 2027 presidential election," Frank said. He further insisted that both Wike and the IGP must be held accountable for their roles in the unrest, stating that "enough is enough" and that justice must be served for those responsible for the destruction.
Criticism of the IGP’s Role in the Crisis
Frank also took direct aim at IGP Egbetokun’s actions—or lack thereof—during the crisis. He alleged that the IGP’s decision to withdraw police protection from the council secretariats directly contributed to the escalation of violence. As soon as the police presence was removed, according to Frank, hoodlums loyal to Wike took advantage of the situation, setting fire to the secretariats.
Frank criticized the IGP for failing to anticipate the potential for violence, given the volatile political climate in the state. He called for the IGP to be held accountable for his failure to protect public property and ensure the safety of citizens. "The perpetrators must be arrested and brought to justice," Frank declared, stressing the need for accountability from both the police and political actors involved.
The Role of Political Ambition in the Crisis
A central theme of Frank’s argument is the claim that political ambition is driving the unrest in Rivers State. He accused both President Tinubu and Wike of using the current crisis to advance their political goals. In particular, Frank suggested that Wike’s actions are part of a larger strategy to maintain control over Rivers State, while ensuring that the state remains a key asset for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
"Wike has vowed to set fire on any state opposed to him, and he has commenced by setting Rivers State ablaze," Frank said, referring to Wike’s alleged threats against political opponents. Frank believes that Wike’s close ties to President Tinubu have emboldened him to take extreme measures, knowing that he is unlikely to face any significant repercussions from the federal government.
A Call for President Tinubu to Act Impartially
In his statement, Frank called on President Tinubu to act as a leader for all Nigerians, not just his political allies. He reminded the President of his oath of office, which mandates him to govern without fear or favor. Frank argued that by aligning himself with Wike, Tinubu is failing to uphold his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief.
"President Tinubu must for once act as the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not the Commander-in-Chief of the All Progressives Congress and political stooges," Frank stated. He urged the President to take a more impartial stance in the Rivers State crisis, warning that failure to do so could undermine his credibility as a national leader and further destabilize the state.
Conclusion
Timi Frank’s allegations against President Tinubu and Wike raise serious questions about the federal government’s handling of the political unrest in Rivers State. Frank’s accusations of bias and political favoritism highlight the complex intersection of governance and political ambition in Nigeria. As the crisis in Rivers State unfolds, it remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will heed calls for a more balanced approach or continue to face criticism for his perceived alliance with Wike. The stakes are high, not only for Rivers State but for the broader political landscape as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections
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