Edwin Clark Demands: “Arrest Wike Now With a Warrant of Arrest”

Elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, has called on Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to arrest Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following controversial remarks allegedly made by Wike.

During a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) congress in Rivers State last month, Wike reportedly threatened to “put fire” in the states of governors who align with Siminalayi Fubara, the current Rivers State governor. This ongoing political rift between Wike and Fubara has caused a division within the state’s assembly, resulting in two factions, each backing different speakers loyal to either the minister or the governor.

In an open letter titled ‘Arrest Wike Now With a Warrant of Arrest’, Clark urged the IGP to act swiftly, stating that Wike’s behavior is unacceptable and violates the rule of law. The elder statesman emphasized that no one, including Wike, is above the law.

“As lawyers say, nobody is above the law, and it must take its course,” Clark wrote. He also referenced previous arrests made by the police in similar situations, such as that of activist Omoyele Sowore, and questioned why the IGP has not yet taken action in Wike’s case.

Clark expressed dismay at Wike’s actions, especially considering his position as a public official appointed by the current administration. The 97-year-old statesman, reflecting on his time in government under General Yakubu Gowon, noted that public officers were expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

The former federal minister also accused Wike of attempting to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration and install a loyalist, Martins Amaewhule, as the governor of Rivers State, but claimed these efforts have so far failed.

Clark warned that Wike should not be allowed to manipulate party rules for personal gain, urging the PDP to uphold its standards and not yield to political pressure caused by internal disputes.