Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan, accusing them of hypocrisy in their calls for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television during the Politics Today program from 16:23, Wike expressed his frustration with political leaders who, according to him, speak about safeguarding democracy while turning a blind eye to the disregard for the rule of law. He questioned their commitment to democratic principles, particularly in light of the recent political crisis in Rivers State.
“I feel so bad today when I hear a lot of people say nobody should derail democracy. Let us ask ourselves, who’s derailing democracy? Who intends to derail democracy? Is it the man who says law and order, judgments of court should not be respected?” Wike said during the interview.
The former Rivers governor’s comments appeared to be a direct response to Atiku Abubakar’s recent remarks, where the former vice president commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for standing firm amid political challenges. Atiku’s statement implied support for Fubara, despite allegations from Wike that the governor has failed to uphold court rulings.
“Atiku said I praised Fubara for standing up tall. He’s standing up tall to say court judgments should not be respected? That’s the Nigeria we think will grow tomorrow?” Wike added, questioning the credibility of such leaders when it comes to defending democratic values.
Wike has been vocal about his belief that Governor Fubara, his political protégé, is attempting to undermine the legal and political structures that he, as governor, had carefully built. The conflict between the two has escalated over the past months, with Fubara being accused of sidelining political allies loyal to Wike and ignoring legal rulings that Wike believes are fundamental to maintaining democratic order in Rivers State.