Edwin Clark to Ganduje, Damagum: Withdraw your support for Wike in Rivers crisis

Edwin Clark, the convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), says Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Umar Damagum, acting chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), should caution Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), against destabilising Rivers state.

Since 2023, Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, and Wike, his predecessor, have been at loggerheads over political control of the state.

The rift has led to the polarisation of the Rivers state house of assembly.

In an open letter to Ganduje and Damagum on Monday, Clark said they must not support Wike in his ongoing feud with Fubara.

“I know both of you are fully aware and involved in the political crisis in Rivers State which is caused by Wike, who is controlling the two parties in Rivers State, particularly the PDP,” the PANDEF leader said.

“I strongly advise both of you to withdraw from the madness of politics of Rivers State to avoid the dangerous crisis facing Rivers State, one of the most important states producing the resources used to sustain the economy of this country.

“I hope you do not forget that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the deep seaport of Onne are very well established in Rivers state.

“The support given to Nyesom Wike by both party chairmen has made him courageous enough to intimidate and anger the Rivers State Governor and Government, and this is seen as an act to overthrow the duly elected governor, which is criminal.

“I am therefore appealing to you, in the interest of peace and stability in Nigeria, to disassociate yourselves from the diabolical and mischievous plan by Wike for no just cause to bring down the government of his successor, Governor Fubara.

“I strongly advise both of you to retrace your steps and take charge of your political parties in Rivers State and not leave it for Wike, who is neither PDP nor APC.”