'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, a lawyer and National Chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has issued a stern warning, holding Chief Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, accountable should any harm come to him or his family.
In a press statement today, Nwanyanwu recounted a disturbing encounter at the Transcorp Hilton Pastry Shop. He was approached by Mr. Moses Emmanuel, who identified himself as Wike's brother. Emmanuel allegedly threatened Nwanyanwu’s life, referencing a television interview in which Nwanyanwu criticized Wike's involvement in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. Nwanyanwu expressed concerns that Wike's interference could destabilize the region and exacerbate Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The confrontation escalated, attracting the attention of security personnel who detained Emmanuel for questioning. During this process, Emmanuel made several calls, including one to Chief Chukwu Emeka Woke, a close aide to Wike. Nwanyanwu described Woke's response to questions about the hitman’s intent as incoherent and neither a clear denial nor acceptance of responsibility.
Nwanyanwu described the confrontation, stating, "This blood-thirsty killer brazenly confronted me at the Pastry shop, Transcorp Hilton where I was having snacks and coffee with my friend Alhaji Aliyu. He introduced himself as a brother to Chief Nyesom Wike, and began to threaten my life."
The situation escalated, attracting the attention of security personnel at the hotel. Emmanuel was detained and questioned, and he made several phone calls, including one to Chief Chukwu Emeka Woke, Wike's former Chief of Staff. Nwanyanwu noted that Woke's response to inquiries about the threat was incoherent, neither confirming nor denying the intent.
Nwanyanwu has formally alerted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) about the threat. He emphasized the severity of the situation, urging a thorough investigation and demanding protection for himself and his family.
"I wish to cease this opportunity to draw the attention of the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the involvement of his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the threat to my life," Nwanyanwu stated. He also called for Chief Nyesom Wike to sign an undertaking to be held responsible if any harm befalls him or his family.
The press statement highlights Nwanyanwu's concerns about the broader implications of the threat, stressing the need to protect freedom of expression in Nigeria. "If not nipped in the bud, this situation will degenerate to a point where no Nigerian will be safe anymore to express his opinion on national issues, even as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression as an inalienable right of every Nigerian citizen," Nwanyanwu warned.
