An activist, Maduabuchi Idam, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for praising Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, during his recent presidential media chat, accusing the president of endorsing “rascality in public service.”
Idam expressed concern over Tinubu’s failure to address Wike’s inflammatory statements amidst the political crisis in Rivers State.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers, had recently threatened to “set fire” to any state whose governors interfered in his feud with Governor Siminalaye Fubara, prompting backlash from Peoples Democratic Party governors backing Fubara.
During the media chat, Tinubu referred to Wike as a “goldmine” and a “performing Minister,” further stating that he “doffed his hat” to the controversial politician.
Idam, however, viewed the president’s remarks as troubling. In a statement, the activist argued that Tinubu’s blanket praise for Wike, without offering specific details about his achievements, amounted to an encouragement of improper conduct in public service. Idam called for clarification, questioning which of Wike’s actions Tinubu was referring to as a “goldmine,” suggesting that without such clarification, other public officers might mistake “rascality” for good governance under Tinubu’s administration.
The activist also criticized the president for not using the opportunity to caution Wike against his aggressive and inflammatory rhetoric, warning that such unchecked political behavior could escalate tensions, especially in Rivers State. Idam warned that such endorsements could embolden despotic tendencies and destabilize the political landscape.
“A blanket endorsement of Minister Wike’s actions, without providing detailed specifics, is, in my view, an encouragement of rascality in public service.
“President Tinubu needs a second chance at the interview to clarify which of Minister Wike’s attributes he was referring to as a ‘goldmine.’
