A legal practitioner and public commentator, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, has criticized the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his role in the ongoing political crisis in the state. He argued that Wike should allow the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to govern freely now that his own time as governor is over.
Speaking on News Central TV, according to Tariah, Wike’s eight years in office were focused mainly on projects that were heavily publicized, often with strong media attention. He suggested that this strategy was used to convince people that state funds were being spent mainly for public benefit, while questions about personal wealth and spending remained unanswered.
Tariah raised concerns about reports of luxury items allegedly linked to Wike, such as a Rolls-Royce and a private jet. He questioned how such expensive assets could be afforded through public service salaries alone, from local government leadership up to ministerial positions.
He also claimed that Wike, believing he might become Nigeria’s president, built a presidential-style villa in Rivers State using public funds. This, he said, symbolized excessive control over the state’s resources, adding that Wike’s influence is so strong that it appears he owns a large part of Rivers State.
Tariah contrasted this with Governor Fubara, describing him as less interested in luxury and more focused on governance. He called on Wike to stop interfering and allow the current administration to lead without pressure or control.
In his words, “Probably because he thought he was going to be president, he built another presidential villa in Rivers State, taxpayers’ money.”
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