IYC backs Clark’s call for Wike’s arrest over Rivers crisis

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has expressed support for Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark’s call for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.

This comes in response to Wike’s threat to set fire to states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if they interfere in Rivers State politics.

In a statement, IYC Spokesman, Amb. Binebai Princewill, emphasized that Clark’s call for Wike’s arrest is justified and supported by Ijaw youths.

He urged the federal government to hold Wike accountable if his actions lead to unrest.

“Nigeria belongs to all, and no one has a monopoly on violence,” the statement read.

Princewill criticized opponents of Chief Clark, saying arresting Wike is the only proper response to his “reckless comment”.

The IYC, despite their non-partisan stance, criticized Wike’s statements as threats to Nigeria’s security, prompting their response.

“The statement credited to the FCT Minister Wike is too weighty for the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ignore,” Princewill said.

“Wike’s audacity and disregard for national security have reached a boiling point.”

He urged Wike to let Governor Fubara govern peacefully, warning that the Ijaw people fully support Fubara.

Calling for accountability, Princewill urged security agencies to act, stating:

“Allowing impunity from individuals like Wike, who make inflammatory statements capable of causing chaos, is condemnable.”

He echoed Chief Clark’s call for Wike’s arrest, criticized the government’s silence, and warned of instability consequences.

He expressed concern that Wike’s remarks undermine Nigeria’s security and cast doubt on President Tinubu’s “renewed hope” agenda.

“Wike’s statement is a prelude to chaos and anarchy in a country already grappling with insecurity and hardship,” Princewill said.

Origins of the conflict

Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State, has been a central figure in the politics of the state since his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

During this period, he established a firm grip on the state’s political landscape, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His influence extended beyond his time in office, as he played a significant role in the emergence of Siminalayi Fubara as his successor in 2023.

However, less than a year into Fubara’s governorship, tensions between the two leaders surfaced, leading to an ongoing struggle for control within the party.

Wike’s role as the Minister of FCT under the APC has further complicated the situation.

Despite his shift to a federal role, Wike has continued to wield considerable influence over Rivers State politics.

His threat to “set fire” to PDP states interfering in Rivers’ politics escalated the conflict and drew widespread PDP criticism.

Tensions with PDP governors

The conflict between Wike and Fubara has attracted attention from other PDP governors, who have rallied around Fubara.

The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, issued a statement reaffirming their support for Fubara.

The Forum stressed that Fubara is entitled to the same rights and privileges as any other PDP governor and rejected Wike’s attempts to undermine his leadership.

The Forum’s position mirrors the support Wike enjoyed during his time as governor, making the current conflict particularly ironic for many observers.

Wike’s threats to interfere in other PDP-controlled states if they support Fubara have been condemned by the governors as “irresponsible” and “undemocratic.”

His comments have sparked fears of escalating political instability in Rivers and beyond.

As a result, the PDP leadership is urging caution and calling for law enforcement agencies to address the situation.

Backing Edwin Clark’s call for Wike’s arrest, IYC warns of potential nationwide unrest if Wike’s actions continue unchecked.

This conflict highlights the growing divide between Wike and the PDP.

Wike’s statements and actions challenge Fubara and threaten the stability of the PDP in Rivers and other states.

The federal government has been urged to step in to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.

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