Chief Edwin Clark, a respected elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), has weighed in on the leadership tussle between former Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In an exclusive interview with The Punch, Clark revealed that Wike had trusted Fubara enough to appoint him as accountant general, responsible for managing the state's finances. Clark stated, "Wike trusted him so much that he made him accountant general. So, that he would look after the state's money. So, that is the thing."
According to a report by Punch, Clark also alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had attempted to arrest Wike during his tenure as governor but was unable to do so due to his immunity. Instead, the EFCC arrested Fubara and others, but Wike protected them and prevented further action. Clark added, "So, they decided to arrest the accountant general and some others. But Wike protected them and prevented the EFCC from going in. I think there is a case in court to that effect."
Now that Wike no longer enjoys immunity as a former governor, Clark warned that he could be arrested at any time. Clark stated, "But now Wike no longer enjoys immunity. So, he could be arrested any day. But if he allows Fubara's government to continue, as far as he is concerned, he doesn't know what will follow."