Wike: We Talked To Jonathan To Make Him Minister Without Telling Him He Wasn’t A Good Kid- Edwin Clark

Chief Edwin Clark, a national leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum and an elder statesman, described what happened in relation to Nyesom Wike’s difficult conduct when Wike was Amaechi’s chief of staff.

Punch reported that Clark addressed the matter by saying that Wike’s removal from office was agreed upon, but that then-President Jonathan was not informed of the real cause.

Then, Amal Pepple was named Minister of Housing, and Wike was named Minister of State for Education.

He explained that during a dispute with Amaechi, Wike stood behind Patience Jonathan, winning the admiration of both Patience and her husband, former President Jonathan.

He said that they turned down President Jonathan’s request for their assistance in this case, opting instead to be impartial and let the parties work out their differences amicably.

In Clark’s words, “Well, as the Chief of Staff to Amaechi, Wike became very difficult. So, we decided to get rid of him. But we talked to Jonathan to make him a minister without telling him that he was not a good kid. That’s how it is.”

“So, Wike came to the center as a Minister of State for Education, while Amal Pepple became the Minister of Housing. So, that was what happened at that time.”

“Then, when Madam Patience Jonathan had problems with Amaechi, Wike took sides with her. That was why the madam developed a great respect for him (Wike).”

“The husband, too, joined and came to me and said that I should support him. I said no. They can’t turn me into an errand boy. Let them all compete together.”