In a recent interview with The Punch, esteemed elder statesman Edwin Clark, 97, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the political turmoil in Rivers State. Clark advised the President to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to govern without interference, while Minister Nyesom Wike should focus on his federal responsibilities in Abuja.
Clark believes this would bring peace and stability to the state, essential for the country's economic well-being. He lamented that attempts at mediation have failed due to Wike's insistence on controlling the state's political structure. Clark likened the situation to a domestic dispute, stating that Wike's unwillingness to relinquish control makes resolution challenging. He emphasized that Rivers State's political structures have been in place across successive governments, and Wike's persistence may hinder progress.
In his words, “I have advised Mr President (Tinubu) again that he should leave Fubara alone to run his government, Wike should concentrate on his job in Abuja.
“Once that is done, there will be peace and stability in the state. But if they do anything contrary and there is no peace, it will affect the economy of the country,” Clark told The Punch.
“How do you bring them together? One man says I have divorced. But you are my house help. There is no way. You are my son. There is no way any outsider can accept him.
“This is because Wike does not see anything wrong with him. He believes that he is still controlling the structures in Rivers State whereas those structures have been there from governor to governor.