Prominent activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has expressed disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s commendation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, during the president’s recent media chat. Idam argued that Tinubu should have used the opportunity to caution Wike over his inflammatory remarks amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The crisis between Wike and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has heightened tensions over control of the state’s political machinery. Wike, displeased with the involvement of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the matter, had warned that he would set fire in the state if any governor interfered.
During the presidential media chat, Tinubu referred to Wike as a goldmine and praised him as a performing Minister, going as far as to doff his hat to the FCT Minister. This endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from Idam, who is concerned about the implications of such remarks.
In a statement, Idam remarked, I am not worried that Mr. Wike just secured recognition for his public service; I am concerned that President Tinubu is neither bothered about Wike’s role in the crisis affecting the Rivers people nor concerned about his threats of being capable of ‘setting fire’ in the states of governors who oppose him.
Idam added that while commendation of Wike’s achievements is acceptable, the president should have used the platform to address Wike’s controversial statements and actions. He warned that Tinubu’s blanket endorsement of Wike’s performance could be misinterpreted as an encouragement of unruly behavior in public office.
A blanket endorsement of Minister Wike’s actions, without providing detailed specifics, is, in my view, an encouragement of rascality in public service, Idam said.
The lawyer called on President Tinubu to clarify his statements in future interviews to avoid sending the wrong message to public officials about acceptable behavior in governance.
The Rivers crisis remains a contentious issue, with PDP governors rallying behind Governor Fubara, while Wike continues to assert his influence in the state’s political dynamics. Idam’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the consequences of unchecked political rhetoric and actions.