Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has criticized President Bola Tinubu for lauding Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike during his recent presidential media chat, describing the commendation as an endorsement of “rascality in public service.”
Idam expressed concern over Tinubu’s failure to address Wike’s inflammatory statements amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The former governor of Rivers had threatened to “set fire” in any state where governors interfered in his feud with Governor Sim Fubara, prompting a backlash from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who have rallied behind Fubara.
During the media chat, Tinubu referred to Wike as a “goldmine” and a “performing Minister,” adding that he “doffed his hat” to the controversial politician.
Idam, however, viewed the president’s remarks as troubling. In a statement, the activist lawyer said:
“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.’
“Otherwise, several public officers may mistake rascality as a recipe for good performance under his cabinet.”
Idam argued that Tinubu should have used the opportunity to caution Wike against his aggressive rhetoric, emphasizing the potential dangers of unchecked political behaviour.
He warned that such endorsements could embolden despotic tendencies and escalate tensions in Rivers State and beyond.