Ugochinyere-Warns-Tinubu:-"Beware-of-Wike,-You-Will-Soon-Tell-Your-Story

Ugochinyere Warns Tinubu: "Beware of Wike, You Will Soon Tell Your Story"

By Wisdom Tide
10/10/2024

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a prominent member of the House of Representatives, has delivered a sharp warning to President Bola Tinubu, cautioning him about the actions of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This warning arrives amidst escalating political turmoil in Rivers State, where Ugochinyere suggests that Wike and his allies are stirring trouble.

Political Crisis in Rivers State: The Role of Wike

Ugochinyere’s remarks stem from recent incidents involving the burning of three local government secretariats in Rivers State, an act which he attributes to supporters of Wike. The lawmaker expressed his grave concern over these events, emphasizing that these acts of violence could undermine Nigeria's democratic stability if not addressed swiftly.

The lawmaker pointedly urged President Tinubu to intervene, stating, “Supporters of a serving minister in Tinubu's government are alleged to be busy burning headquarters of another arm of government, and the police since morning have not stopped them.” This statement highlights the perceived impunity Wike's supporters enjoy, with Ugochinyere portraying these actions as not only unlawful but also indicative of a broader pattern of disregard for legal norms under Wike’s influence.

A Pattern of Contradictions: Who Is Wike Really?

Nyesom Wike’s political career has been marked by a series of contradictions and bold, often erratic actions that have earned him a reputation as a political figure who operates without consequence. Throughout his time in public office, Wike has been involved in numerous controversies, shifting alliances and making contradictory statements that reflect a lack of consistent principle.

For instance, Wike has, in the past, condemned political violence, only for his supporters to be implicated in similar acts, as Ugochinyere suggests in this case. His involvement in Rivers State politics has often been aggressive, with accusations of authoritarianism and using the machinery of the state to achieve personal goals. This recent crisis, involving the alleged burning of local government offices, further cements the image of Wike as a figure willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain his influence.

Ugochinyere's Direct Appeal: Call Wike to Order

Ugochinyere's appeal to Tinubu was clear: Wike must be "called to order" before the situation worsens. According to the lawmaker, if Wike's unchecked actions continue, the consequences could be disastrous for Nigeria’s democracy. Ugochinyere stressed that this political crisis could spiral into further unrest, especially if it is used as a pretext to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

He derided the idea of declaring a state of emergency based on the burning of parts of local government buildings, calling it a “mad quest to seize the public purse of a people.” His criticism underscores a broader fear that political chaos in Rivers State is being deliberately manufactured to justify extraordinary measures that could further destabilize the region.

Wike's Actions in Rivers: A Threat to Democracy?

Wike’s behavior over the years has repeatedly raised concerns about his willingness to bend democratic norms to his advantage. His alleged involvement in the burning of local government buildings only reinforces perceptions of him as a disruptive force, capable of inciting unrest to serve his interests. Ugochinyere’s warning to Tinubu is based on this history of contradictions and self-serving behavior, suggesting that Wike's unchecked influence could pose a threat not only to Rivers State but to the country at large.

Ugochinyere also referenced the recent local government elections in Rivers State, a contentious event that has further fueled tensions. Despite the controversies surrounding the election, Ugochinyere pointed out that the newly elected local government chairmen have already been sworn in, and there is no legitimate means of overturning this outcome.

Conclusion: A Stark Warning for Tinubu

In his final remarks, Ugochinyere emphasized the need for Tinubu to act decisively, warning that the president risks being drawn into the political chaos Wike is allegedly fostering. "You will soon tell your story," Ugochinyere warned, suggesting that Wike’s actions will soon lead to broader consequences, potentially damaging the credibility of Tinubu’s administration if left unchecked.

The political crisis in Rivers State serves as yet another example of Wike’s controversial approach to governance—an approach characterized by bold actions that often disregard the law and democratic principles. For President Tinubu, Ugochinyere’s warning is a call to act swiftly before Wike’s unchecked ambitions further undermine Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

Wike’s past actions show a man who is willing to cross any line, regardless of legality or morality, to achieve his political aims, and this makes him a dangerous ally. Tinubu’s silence or inaction may lead to consequences that reverberate far beyond the borders of Rivers State.