Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to control Nyesom Wike.
According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), George believes Tinubu must take action to restore peace in Rivers State and prevent further political instability.
According to The Sun, George made this statement on Thursday, March 13, 2025, expressing concern over Wike’s public remarks.
He described Wike’s comments on the Rivers crisis as harsh, dangerous, and embarrassing to the government.
George warned that Wike’s statements could escalate tensions rather than contribute to resolving the crisis.
His reaction followed Wike’s response to Tinubu’s meeting with Niger Delta leaders on the Rivers political crisis.
Tinubu had urged the leaders to find a lasting solution to the lingering political conflict in Rivers State.
However, George criticized Wike’s reaction, saying it undermined Tinubu’s peace efforts.
He questioned why a minister would publicly challenge the government in such a provocative manner.
George wondered if Tinubu was withholding information or simply unable to control Wike’s actions.
“I watched him, and I am still wondering what exactly Wike is trying to achieve by heating the polity,” he said.
George then posed direct questions to Tinubu regarding Wike’s perceived influence.
“Is Wike the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces?” George asked.
“Is he the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Chief Judge of Rivers State?”
“Is he the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly?”
“Does he control all the forces in the state?”
George expressed concern that Wike’s words made him appear more powerful than he truly was.
He warned that the public was becoming confused about who was actually in charge.
George suggested that Wike’s rhetoric projected an illusion of unchecked power.
He questioned whether Wike had ever fought a war or faced a real political battle.
George speculated on the role Tinubu was playing in the ongoing crisis.
He stated that the President’s handling of the situation remained unclear to many observers.
He emphasized that while the beginning of a crisis might be known, its outcome could be unpredictable.
George called on Tinubu to assert his authority and control Wike’s influence.
He urged the President to prevent Wike from further destabilizing Rivers State.
As political tensions rise, Nigerians are watching to see how Tinubu will respond.
Many wonder if the President will take decisive steps to restore order.