Chimenen Wodi, a legal practitioner, has refuted claims linking Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to the recent arrests of two associates of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking in an interview with AIT's Kakaaki programme, Wodi vehemently denied any connection between Wike and the apprehension of Goodboy Sokari, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Ezebunwo Ichemati, another chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The arrests occurred at the venue of the PDP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, stirring speculation regarding Wike's involvement.
The crux of Wodi's argument lies in the absence of concrete evidence implicating Wike in the arrests.
He highlights Wike's lack of authority to issue such directives, emphasising that the power to arrest resides solely with the police force.
Furthermore, Wodi pointed out that the individuals apprehended were already on the police's wanted list, providing a plausible rationale for their detainment.
Moreover, Wodi highlighted an event that seems to contradict the notion of Wike's involvement in any retaliatory actions against Fubara's loyalists.
He stated that recently, Fubara's supporters held a Thanksgiving event in Wike's hometown without facing any hostilities or attacks.
Wodi said, "They had Thanksgiving where Wike is from; what would've stopped him from attacking them?
"You give a dog a bad name simply because you want to hang him. There are those that are benefiting from this fracas".
Watch the interview video here (start from 2:26:01).