In a revealing interview with The Punch, Elder Statesman and Ijaw Leader, Pa Edwin Clark, disclosed the political strategy that led to the appointment of Nyesom Wike as a minister during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Clark alleged that they persuaded Jonathan to appoint Wike despite his contentious behavior as Chief of Staff under then-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
Clark explained that Wike had become increasingly difficult to manage in his role as Amaechi's Chief of Staff. To address this issue and maintain political stability in the Niger Delta, they decided to shift Wike to a central government role. "As the Chief of Staff to Amaechi, Wike became very difficult. So, we decided to get rid of him," Clark recounted.
The solution involved convincing President Jonathan to appoint Wike as the Minister of State for Education without disclosing his problematic conduct. "We talked to Jonathan to make him a minister without telling him that he was not a good kid," Clark revealed. This maneuver effectively removed Wike from his position in Rivers State while presenting a facade of political unity and cooperation.
By transitioning Wike to a ministerial role, they aimed to mitigate the challenges he posed locally. "Wike came to the centre as a minister of state for Education while Amal Pepple became the Minister of Housing," Clark noted, highlighting the reshuffling that took place to address the situation.