Presidential media chat:Tinubu should have used the opportunity to caution Wike over inflammatory remarks and threats, in Rivers State- Barr. Idam.

By Divine Sam

In response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments during his media chat, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has criticized the president for not addressing the concerns surrounding the actions and statements of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Idam argued that Tinubu should have used the opportunity to caution Wike over his inflammatory remarks and threats, particularly regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.

The ongoing crisis between Wike and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has escalated, with Wike threatening to “set fire” in any state where governors intervene in the matter. Despite this, President Tinubu commended Wike as a “goldmine” and a “performing Minister,” raising concerns that such praise could be seen as an endorsement of Wike’s controversial behavior.

Idam expressed worry that Tinubu’s failure to address Wike’s provocative rhetoric could be interpreted as an endorsement of political violence or misconduct. He also questioned the implications of calling Wike a “goldmine” without specifying what exactly in Wike’s actions or performance merited such praise. Idam concluded by urging the president to clarify his stance and ensure that his endorsement does not inadvertently encourage political disorder.