Austin Tam-George, the former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, has accused Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of attempting to destabilize Rivers State.
This claim comes amid growing tensions between Wike and the state’s governor, Sim Fubara, which have thrust Rivers into the national spotlight, particularly in the buildup to the local government elections.
Tam-George, who served under Wike’s administration during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, alleges that Wike is deliberately creating instability to undermine Fubara’s leadership.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, he expressed his disappointment in Wike’s actions, stating, “I’m very disappointed in what the minister is doing. He’s the one orchestrating this. He’s the one who has set forth a process to destabilize the state.”
The political discord between Wike and Fubara, which has been brewing since last year, has gained increased attention in recent weeks. Despite efforts to mediate the conflict, no resolution has been reached.
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Tam-George criticized Wike for his continued involvement in Rivers State politics, despite his new role as FCT minister. He urged Wike to focus on his responsibilities in Abuja rather than meddling in the affairs of Rivers State.
“He’s got a clear administrative mandate in the FCT. The FCT has one of the worst public schools in Nigeria,” Tam-George remarked, emphasizing the challenges that Wike faces in his new position.
“He has a full plate there in order to deliver service. But he’s not doing that. Instead, he’s focusing on how to destabilize River State, and obviously, Rivers people are going to resist him every time,” he continued.
Tam-George further urged the minister to step aside and allow Governor Fubara to govern without interference. “What I expected the FCT minister to do was to say, ‘Look, I’ve had my time in government. Now, I’ve got to focus on what I have in Abuja.’”
In his closing remarks, Tam-George voiced his support for Fubara’s efforts to reform the state’s administration and called for Wike to let the governor focus on his duties. “So, for God’s sake, let us allow Governor Fubara to do his work,” he concluded.