According to a report from Punch, Elder statesman and National Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, recounted events surrounding Nyesom Wike's behavior while serving as Chief of Staff to Rotimi Amaechi. Clark stated that due to Wike's challenging behavior, it was decided to remove him from his position without disclosing the true reason to then-President Goodluck Jonathan. Subsequently, Wike was appointed Minister of State for Education, while Amal Pepple became Minister of Housing.
( Photo credit : The Punch Newspaper Verified Facebook Page )
Clark also mentioned that Wike aligned himself with Patience Jonathan during a conflict with Amaechi, earning the respect of both Patience and her husband, President Jonathan. When President Jonathan asked for their support in this matter, they refused, choosing to remain neutral and allowing the parties involved to settle the issue themselves.
( Photo credit : The Vanguard Newspaper Verified Facebook Page )
During an interview with The Punch, he remarked, "Well, as the Chief of Staff to Amaechi, Wike became very difficult. So, we decided to get rid of him. But we talked to Jonathan, to make him a minister without telling him that he was not a good kid. That’s how it is. So, Wike came to the centre as a Minister of State for Education while Amal Pepple became the Minister of Housing. So, that was what happened at that time.
Then, when Madam (Patience) Jonathan had problems with Amaechi, Wike took sides with her. That was why the madam developed a great respect for him (Wike). The husband too joined and came to me that I should support. I said no. They can’t turn me into an errand boy. Let them all compete together."