PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a scathing response to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s recent declaration that no one can wrest control of his political structure, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, dismisses the statement as “validly petty, unreasonable, and grossly remote from every sense of rational judgment.”
The backdrop of the verbal clash is the ongoing political discord between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara, rooted in what Eze describes as “harsh, haughty, and overbearing interferences” from Wike. The tension escalated to the point of a faction of the state legislature attempting to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, orchestrated by Wike, despite no evidence of gross misconduct.
Wike’s assertion that his political structure is impervious to external influence drew sharp criticism from Chief Eze. In a statement released to the media, Eze accuses Wike of lacking the charismatic qualities and convictions required for leadership. He contends that Wike did not build any political structure but instead exploited the economic powers of his former office to infiltrate existing structures established by prominent figures like Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi.
Eze challenges Wike to identify any notable politician or leader he groomed in Rivers State to substantiate his claims of a robust political structure. The APC chief dismisses Wike’s assertions as a “fictitious claim” and condemns the support it garnered from certain political figures during a solidarity visit, considering it an affront to the legacies of Sir Dr. Peter Odili and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, whom he credits as the true builders of political structures in Rivers State.
To support his argument, Eze delves into the history of Wike’s political ambitions, tracing them back to his days as Chief of Staff to then-Governor Amaechi. Eze alleges that Wike, during this period, undermined Amaechi by exploiting connections and goodwill to manipulate Amaechi’s team, promising positions in government and financial empowerment through contracts.
Eze highlights Wike’s use of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) during his tenure as Minister of State for Education, formed ostensibly to support the reelection of then-President Jonathan. However, Eze claims that the group was a smokescreen for Wike’s gubernatorial ambitions, financed with federal funds.
Ultimately, Eze calls on the public to reject Wike’s claims of owning the political structure of Rivers State, urging him to acknowledge the consequences of the crisis that has weakened his influence over the state and its resources.
