Former APC chieftain Timi Frank has demanded the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of colluding with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to destabilize Rivers State.
Frank’s call follows the recent burning of two local government secretariats in the aftermath of the state’s local elections.
Frank alleges that Wike openly vowed to “set fire” to any state opposing him and has begun by orchestrating violence in Rivers. He accused the police of supporting political thugs behind the arson, claiming the attacks happened soon after the IGP ordered police withdrawals from key locations, of the affected secretariats.
Frank insists that both Wike and the IGP must be held accountable for the unrest.
Frank also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, claiming it was delayed and biased in favor of Wike’s faction. He further alleged that Wike had boasted about having the President’s support in efforts to destabilize Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration and make the state ungovernable.
“Wike vowed to set fire to any state that opposes him, and he has started by setting Rivers State ablaze,” Frank said.
This controversy traces back to August, when Wike warned People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors not to interfere in Rivers State’s affairs. Though Wike had initially supported Fubara’s emergence as governor, he turned against him within months of his swearing-in. At the time, Wike threatened to ignite unrest in any state where the PDP leadership was challenged.
Frank also rebuked President Tinubu for failing to check Wike’s actions, alleging that the President’s inaction was part of a larger plan to secure political control over Rivers State in preparation for the 2027 presidential election.
“It is highly unfortunate that the President is being perceived as tacitly encouraging his minister to cause mayhem in Rivers State because he believes it will benefit him politically. This must stop,” Frank asserted.
He called for both Wike and IGP Egbetokun to be held accountable for the violence, urging the arrest of those responsible for the arson and destruction. Frank also appealed to former Presidents, labor leaders, and trade unions to speak out against the crisis, warning of further damage to the state’s oil-rich resources.
“President Tinubu must act as the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, not as a political leader focused on the interests of his party,” Frank stated, urging the President to uphold his oath of office and protect the people of Rivers State.
