PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In response to Chief Rufus Ada-George’s recent letter to President Bola Tinubu, aimed at discrediting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, former Chief of Staff to Governor Nyesom Wike, Engr. Emeka Woke, has sharply criticized Ada-George’s actions, accusing him of stoking unnecessary political tension in Rivers State.
Woke described Ada-George’s open attack on Wike as a calculated attempt to undermine the Minister’s unwavering support for Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara. According to Woke, the allegations made by Ada-George, under the guise of elder statesmanship, are biased and designed to drive a wedge between Wike and Fubara for selfish political gain.
“Chief Ada-George’s actions are far from those of a reconciliatory elder,” Woke stated. “Instead, they betray an ulterior motive aimed at exploiting the delicate political landscape of Rivers State for personal gain, masked as a call for unity.”
Woke emphasized that President Tinubu, being a seasoned politician, would not be easily swayed by what he termed as a “disingenuous letter-writing campaign.” He argued that Ada-George’s approach is outdated and fails to align with the present political realities of the state.
“The President understands the difference between genuine leadership and political machinations. He will not be deceived by propaganda, no matter how well disguised as elder advice,” Woke remarked. He further praised President Tinubu’s discernment in recognizing and navigating such tactics.
Woke also highlighted the role Ada-George played in the past political feuds in Rivers State, particularly during the disputes between Dr. Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi. He questioned Ada-George’s credibility as a neutral mediator, noting his history of partisan actions, especially during his tenure as governor.
“Ada-George cannot absolve himself from the discord that has plagued Rivers State politics. His involvement in the bitter feud between Odili and Amaechi is a testament to his partisanship,” Woke said. “He lacks the qualifications to present himself as an impartial elder statesman, particularly given his questionable legacy.”
The former Chief of Staff further accused Ada-George of harboring an upland/riverine bias, pointing to his lack of support for Odili’s governorship ambitions as evidence of this entrenched partisanship. According to Woke, the same divisive tactics employed by Ada-George in the past are now being used against Wike.
“This attack on Wike is rooted in the same bias and divisiveness that has characterized Chief Ada-George’s politics for decades,” Woke said. “Despite Gov. Fubara’s ingratitude towards Wike, who defied the odds to secure his governorship, Ada-George remains determined to drive a wedge between them.”
Woke called on Ada-George to act in the spirit of true reconciliation, if he wishes to intervene in Rivers State’s politics. “If Chief Ada-George insists on getting involved, he must be willing to cast aside his biases and speak the unvarnished truth,” Woke declared. “At this critical juncture, Rivers State needs selfless and impartial elders, not divisive figures seeking to exploit their status for personal gain.”
Woke concluded by reiterating his belief that the President would not fall for Ada-George’s tactics. “President Tinubu is not one to be manipulated by such juvenile tactics disguised as elder counsel. He sees through the façade of letter-writing campaigns from individuals whose biases are all too clear.”
The exchange between Ada-George and Woke reflects the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, with the roles of elder statesmen being closely scrutinized in the shifting dynamics of the state’s political landscape.
