“If Obaseki start disturbing you, if he gives you trouble, then probe him” — Wike seen with a glass of whiskey as he advises Governor Okpebholo
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier called for Onuoha’s redeployment, citing concerns over potential bias
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“If Obaseki start disturbing you, if he gives you trouble, then probe him” — Wike seen with a glass of whiskey as he advises Governor Okpebholo
FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, not to launch a probe into the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki at least not yet.
Wike made the appeal during a visit to Edo State on Sunday, July 13, amid mounting pressure from some political figures, including former governor and APC chieftain, Adams Oshiomhole, who had recently called on Governor Okpebholo to investigate Obaseki shortly after the Supreme Court upheld his election victory.
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In a relaxed setting, Wike pictured beside Governor Okpebholo holding what appeared to be a glass of whiskey advised against immediate political retaliation. “Let sleeping dogs lie… unless he [Obaseki] starts disturbing you. If he gives you trouble, then probe him,” Wike said.
The visit and the now-viral photo sparked mixed reactions online. Notably, rights activist Chidi Odinkalu shared the image on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it,“Edo Coalition.”
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The development has once again drawn attention to Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, who is a cousin of Minister Wike. Onuoha previously served as Special Adviser on Lands during Wike’s administration in Rivers State a relationship that has fueled concerns about his neutrality ahead of the Edo governorship elections.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier called for Onuoha’s redeployment, citing concerns over potential bias. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stood by its decision to retain him, urging political stakeholders to focus on the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking in an earlier interview on Channels Television, Onuoha acknowledged his familial ties to Wike but maintained that competence, not kinship, should be the main criterion. “Yes, I am a cousin to the minister, but what Nigerians should be asking is whether I have the capacity to do the job. I was confirmed by the Senate and posted here since 2023 no one objected then,” he said.
