Rivers Crisis: Clark Urges Ganduje, Damagum to Rein in Wike

Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark has called on Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and Amb. Umar Damagum, his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to address the recent actions of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. Clark expressed concerns that Wike’s statements in Rivers State could incite a crisis.

Wike had made comments suggesting he enjoys seeing people, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, make mistakes that lead to problems. Clark, in a letter to Ganduje and Damagum, highlighted the potential dangers of these remarks and urged both leaders to act to prevent instability in the vital oil-producing state.

Clark reminded the party leaders of the significant economic contributions of Rivers State, home to major International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the Onne deep seaport. He warned that allowing Wike’s disruptive behavior could lead to severe consequences, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining order and supporting the state’s democratically elected governor.

“Nyesom Wike aggressively boasted that nobody can remove the member representing Ogu-Bolo Constituency,” Clark stated, questioning Wike’s potential to undermine constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments. He accused Wike of inciting actions that could destabilize the state and called for immediate intervention from both party chairmen.

Clark concluded by urging Ganduje and Damagum to distance themselves from Wike’s “diabolical and mischievous” plans and to reassert control over their parties in Rivers State to ensure peace and stability.