A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo, has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to rein in what he described as the growing excesses of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
In the strongly worded letter addressed to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Senbanjo said he was compelled by conscience, patriotism and widespread public frustration to speak out against what he termed a “dangerous culture of impunity” in Nigeria’s political system.
According to him, leadership must go beyond winning elections or acquiring power, stressing that restraint, balance and respect for democratic institutions are the true tests of governance.
“Leadership is not about snatching ballot boxes and running away with them,” Senbanjo wrote. “It is about restraint, responsibility and the protection of democratic institutions.”
He accused Wike of political recklessness and arrogance, particularly in his continued involvement in the internal affairs of Rivers State, describing the situation as an abuse of influence that raises serious constitutional and moral questions.
The APC chieftain warned that the political crisis in Rivers had degenerated beyond healthy democratic competition into intimidation, harassment and ridicule of institutions, adding that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora were watching closely.
“No minister, no matter how influential, should be allowed to run a parallel government, undermine an elected governor or hold a state hostage to personal ambition and ego,” Senbanjo stated. “Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a personal estate. Power must have limits.”
He expressed concern that Wike, who publicly professes loyalty to the Tinubu administration while frequently attacking opposition parties and democratic norms, appeared to operate without restraint.
Senbanjo argued that if the FCT minister truly desired to join the APC, there were lawful political processes to follow, warning against the use of federal power to settle personal scores or destabilise a federating state.
He further cautioned that silence or perceived tolerance from the Presidency could send a dangerous signal that intimidation and lawlessness were acceptable, especially at a time Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and social pressure.
“Nigerians are tired—tired of political drama, tired of strongman politics, and tired of leaders who act above the law,” he wrote, adding that public trust in government was already being eroded.
Calling for decisive action, Senbanjo urged President Tinubu to reaffirm the supremacy of the Constitution and remind public office holders that power belongs to the people, not individuals.
“A firm directive or corrective measure against these excesses will not weaken your administration,” he said. “It will strengthen it and restore confidence in your leadership.”
He concluded by warning that history would judge the administration not only by its policies, but by the standards it upheld and the excesses it confronted.
“Nigeria needs peace, stability, fairness and leadership that unites rather than intimidates,” he wrote.
.
“Power Must Have Limits”: Senbanjo Writes Tinubu Over Wike, Rivers Crisis
