Ex-APC Leader Urges Resignation of IGP and FCT Minister, Claims Wike Threatened to Set Rivers State Ablaze Amid Ongoing Unrest

Here’s a rewritten version of the article with each paragraph expressed in different wording:—**‘Wike Vowed To Burn State’ — Ex-APC Chieftain Demands IGP, FCT Minister’s Resignation Amid Rivers Unrest** By Keziah SHEDRACK on October 8, 2024Timi Frank, a former leader within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the resignation of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike due to escalating violence in Rivers Continue Reading>>>...CONTINUE READING>>>

This call for resignation comes after two local government offices were set ablaze by suspected criminals following the recent local government elections in the area.Frank accused the police of colluding with political thugs who instigated the fires, claiming that the attacks occurred shortly after the IGP ordered police withdrawal from the secretariats. He criticized President Bola Tinubu for his delayed response to the crisis, alleging favoritism toward the faction supporting Wike.

The former APC deputy publicity secretary alleged that Wike had claimed to have the President’s backing to disrupt the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and create chaos in the state. Frank quoted Wike as saying he would “set fire on any state opposed to him,” suggesting that he has already started by igniting unrest in Rivers.

In August, Wike had cautioned governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against meddling in Rivers State’s party affairs. Although Wike initially supported Fubara’s election as governor, he later turned against him shortly after Fubara took office.

Wike had made a bold declaration at a PDP state congress in Port Harcourt, asserting, “Not while we live will anybody take away the structures of PDP from us.” He expressed disdain for governors who intended to reclaim party structures, threatening them by saying, “I’ll put fire in their states.”Frank has previously warned about Wike’s intentions to undermine democracy in Rivers State, criticizing President Tinubu for not controlling the minister. He asserted that Wike boasts about having the President’s approval to destabilize Fubara’s government, exacerbating the chaos in the state.Frank contended that Wike’s threats of arson against any opposing states have now manifested in the unrest in Rivers. He expressed concern that neither President Tinubu nor the security forces have taken action against Wike, interpreting this inaction as part of a larger scheme to use Rivers State’s resources to gain an advantage in the upcoming 2027 presidential elections.Frank declared that enough is enough, insisting that both Wike and the IGP must be held accountable for the recent arson incidents. Continue Reading>>>

He called for the arrest of those responsible and emphasized the need for unity among all Nigerians, including former presidents and labor leaders, to protect Rivers State from further destruction by these allegedly sponsored criminals.He urged President Tinubu to act decisively as the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, rather than merely serving the interests of the APC and political allies. Frank reminded the President of his oath to perform his duties impartially, criticizing him for siding with Wike against the interests of Rivers State.