Chief Olabode George, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a member of its Board of Trustees, has fiercely criticized Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over his role in the closure of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
George expressed outrage during an interview with Arise Television, calling Wike’s actions an affront to the party that he said had shaped and supported the minister’s entire political ascent.
Reacting to the incident, George did not mince words, labeling the decision to seal the party’s headquarters as both “sacrilegious” and “politically dangerous.” He emphasized that the party, which he described as the foundation of Wike’s career, deserved more respect from one of its supposed beneficiaries.
“In regards to the locking up of our Party Secretariat, it is absolutely sacrilegious, unacceptable and culturally inadmissible. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike — this is the party that brought you to life,” George remarked, indicating that Wike’s conduct was a direct betrayal of the very institution that fostered his rise.
He compared the incident to a man turning against his own roots for minor infractions, describing the sealing as an exaggerated response to a relatively minor issue. “It’s like going back to your village and your family house hasn’t paid some ground rent, and you, as the local government chairman, lock it up. How much were we owing? Seven million naira — which you could easily pay,” he noted, questioning why the matter had to escalate into a public spectacle.
George went on to chronicle Wike’s political history, which he said was intricately tied to the PDP. From serving as a local government chairman, to becoming chief of staff, a two-term governor of Rivers State, and eventually a federal minister, George argued that Wike owed his success to the PDP’s platform. His decision to allow the secretariat’s closure, George claimed, reflected a deep disregard for loyalty and party heritage.
He also suggested a possible double standard, calling for scrutiny of the All Progressives Congress (APC) headquarters in Abuja. “I want to challenge him that they should go and check that the property being used by APC at their headquarters in Abuja, could probably be the same thing. People could be careless. It is not a monumental amount of money,” George stated, hinting that the real motive behind the PDP closure may have been politically driven.
According to George, the timing of the incident was especially questionable, given that it happened just hours before the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) was set to convene for a significant meeting. He interpreted the move as intentional and vindictive, rather than a neutral administrative act.
Describing the development as “deliberate and malicious,” George warned that such actions threaten to deepen rifts within the PDP and undermine its stability at a time when unity is most crucial.
What you should know
Chief Bode George strongly criticized Minister Nyesom Wike over the FCT’s decision to seal the PDP National Secretariat, accusing him of turning against the party that built his political career.
The closure, reportedly over unpaid fees, occurred just before a critical party meeting, prompting allegations of sabotage and betrayal.
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