Prominent Niger Delta figure Chief Edwin Clark has made a fervent appeal to Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to apprehend Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on charges of treason.
This call follows Wike’s alarming threat to incinerate states governed by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a recent meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a letter addressed to Egbetokun, which was shared with reporters in Abuja, Clark urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that his rapport with Wike does not compromise national security.
Clark reminded the IGP of his obligation to enforce the law impartially, emphasizing that Wike’s remarks not only jeopardize public safety but also constitute incitement—an offense under Nigerian law.
Referencing various legal statutes, including the Public Officer Protection Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Clark demanded Wike’s swift arrest and prosecution, asserting, “Wike has committed treason and should be detained under a warrant. He seems to only regard the President with respect, while asserting control over everything, including the judiciary.”
Clark criticized Wike’s divided loyalties, pointing out that he appears to straddle both the PDP and the APC, suggesting ulterior motives related to protecting his alleged ill-gotten gains from his tenure as governor of Rivers State.
He warned that without a thorough investigation into Wike’s actions, Nigeria could face dire consequences. “The youth in the states he threatened will not passively allow him to carry out his threats,” he cautioned.
Expressing disappointment that a current minister could utter such divisive statements, Clark labeled Wike’s behavior as a blatant affront to President Tinubu and a significant threat to public order.
The elder statesman also accused Wike of illicitly amassing wealth during his governorship and questioned the origins of his financial resources, calling for a comprehensive inquiry into his assets, particularly in Rivers State and Abuja.
Clark urged PDP leaders and Nigerians who cherish justice and harmony to unite against Wike’s “overreaching ambitions” to dominate Rivers State’s political landscape. He emphasized the need for adherence to the party’s constitution and the use of all lawful measures to counter any unlawful actions by the FCT Minister.
