Elder Statesman Edwin Clark Demands Arrest of Nyesom Wike Over Threatening Remarks

Prominent South-South leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a strongly worded petition, Clark urged the IGP to arrest and prosecute Wike for his incendiary statements threatening to incite violence in states governed by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Clark’s petition, read aloud during a press briefing at his Asokoro residence, was a direct response to comments made by Wike during a PDP state congress in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

At the congress, Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure within the PDP, warned other PDP governors against interfering in the party’s affairs in Rivers.

His statements were seen as a clear threat to the stability and unity of the party at both state and national levels.

Addressing the congress, Wike declared, “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us.

But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody.

I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see, you take.”

These remarks, which were interpreted as a threat to disrupt the peace in states governed by PDP leaders, drew sharp criticism from Clark, who viewed them as a dangerous and reckless abuse of power.

In his letter to the IGP, Clark argued that Wike’s comments not only disrespected the office of President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him as FCT Minister, but also posed a significant threat to national security.

He stressed that such inflammatory rhetoric could incite violence and unrest across the country, a risk that should not be taken lightly.

Clark further highlighted the inconsistency in the treatment of individuals who have made similar statements in the past.

He pointed out that Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, and several #EndBadGovernance protesters were arrested and detained for making remarks deemed seditious or inflammatory. Clark insisted that Wike’s statements were of a similar nature and warranted immediate legal action.

He urged the IGP to apply the law uniformly, without favouritism, and to ensure that Wike is held accountable for his words.

According to Clark, the law should not be selectively applied, and those in positions of power must be held to the same standards as ordinary citizens.

He called on the police to act swiftly to prevent any escalation of tensions, arguing that failure to address such threats could undermine public confidence in the rule of law. “It is imperative that the police demonstrate impartiality and uphold justice,” Clark stated. “The comments made by Nyesom Wike are not only a disrespect to the President but are also a form of treason that could incite violence.

The IGP must act now to protect the peace and stability of our nation.”

Clark also emphasised the need for Wike to retract his statements publicly, noting that such a gesture would help to de-escalate any potential conflicts and restore a sense of calm among PDP governors and their constituents.

He urged the IGP to compel Wike to make a public apology and to clarify his commitment to peace and unity within the party and the nation at large.

The elder statesman’s call for action against Wike has stirred a debate on the responsibilities of public office holders and the consequences of their public utterances.

It has also underscored the broader issue of accountability and the need for leaders to exercise caution in their speech, particularly in a politically sensitive environment.

Clark’s petition serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership accountability and the potential repercussions of incendiary rhetoric.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the IGP and the broader political establishment will respond to Clark’s demands and whether any legal action will be taken against Wike.

In the meantime, the call for restraint and respect for the rule of law resonates as a crucial message in the ongoing quest for political stability in Nigeria.