Former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, Austin Tam-George, has alleged that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is orchestrating efforts to destabilize the state.
Tam-George, who served under Wike’s administration, expressed disappointment in the minister’s actions, according to Channels TV.
Rivers State has been embroiled in controversy, particularly surrounding the recent local government elections.
Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have been at odds since last year, with attempts at reconciliation yielding no results.
Tam-George cited the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy, which mandated states to conduct council elections.
However, Fubara’s efforts to organize the polls in Rivers State were marred by controversy, including allegations of sabotage and police withholding security.
The former commissioner criticized Wike for neglecting his duties as FCT minister, where he has a “full plate” to deliver services. Specifically, Tam-George highlighted the poor state of public schools in the FCT.
He insisted that Wike should focus on his mandate instead of trying to destabilize Rivers State, adding that Rivers people will resist him every time.
The accusation comes amid heightened tensions in Rivers State, with Fubara’s administration facing opposition from Wike’s loyalists. The dispute has sparked concerns about the state’s stability and governance.
“He’s got a clear administrative mandate in the FCT. The FCT has one of the worst public schools in Nigeria.
“He has a full plate there in order to deliver service. But he’s not doing that. Instead, he’s focusing on how to destabilise River State, and obviously, Rivers people are going to resist him every time.
“What I expected the FCT minister to do was to say, ‘Look, I’ve had my time in government. Now, I’ve got to focus on what I have in Abuja’,” the former commissioner said.
“So, what the governor is doing now is to try to recalibrate the system, to make sure that he brings effective administration to the state. So, for God’s sake, let us allow Governor Fala to do his work,” he said.
