The Nigerian political landscape is abuzz with a brewing feud between two stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Clark, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The two political heavyweights are locked in a war of words, with Clark accusing Wike of using his relationship with President Bola Tinubu to intimidate Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.
Clark, a former Minister of Information and Niger Delta leader, has vowed to prevent Wike from “destroying” Rivers State. Addressing journalists at his Abuja residence, Clark urged PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagun, to expel Wike from the party to ensure its survival. Clark alleged that Wike, having failed to disrupt the PDP from within, is now colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to achieve his goals.
Wike, however, has fired back, dismissing Clark’s claims as baseless. In an open letter to the PDP national leadership, Wike argued that Governor Fubara should face the crisis head-on, as leadership demands confronting challenges. Wike recalled his own experiences as governor, where he faced Federal Government opposition but never resorted to ethnic blame.
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The spat between Wike and Clark stems from a long-standing feud between Wike and Governor Fubara, who assumed office shortly after. The two have been locked in a battle for control of Rivers State’s political space and resources. Clark, a staunch supporter of Fubara, has accused Wike of using his influence to undermine the governor.
Wike, on the other hand, maintains that he is being unfairly targeted. He pointed out that Clark had previously opposed his gubernatorial ambitions in 2014, citing ethnic considerations. Wike wonders what he has done wrong, having championed for an Ijaw man to become governor and supporting the southern presidency and power rotation.
As the Wike-Clark showdown intensifies, the PDP finds itself caught in the middle. With Clark urging Wike’s expulsion and Wike denying any wrongdoing, the party must navigate this delicate situation carefully. One thing is certain – the fate of Rivers State’s politics hangs in the balance, as these two political titans clash.
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