David Aworawo: PDP’s Expulsion Of Wike Long Overdue – Arise News
Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, Prof. David Aworawo, says the expulsion of former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was “long overdue”, insisting that the party must now prove it can rebuild after years of internal decay.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Sunday, the academic said the PDP had finally shown courage after years of treating Wike as untouchable, but warned that deep-seated divisions remain unresolved.
“For Wike, it is actually long overdue. You ask yourself: has Wike been a PDP member in the past two years? He has simply worked for the APC. Whether that will bring the PDP from the valley of the shadow of death remains to be seen, because even when the decision was made, two governors reportedly didn’t support it.”
Aworawo described the party as a reflection of Nigeria’s political culture.
“PDP is a Nigerian microcosm. Everybody has gone there, picked what they can, and when it became convenient, they just used it, protected their interests and moved on. I commend them for having the courage, because it seemed nothing could happen to Wike all this while. But something has happened. Let us see how that affects the party moving forward.”
Turning to the clash between Wike and naval officer Lt. Commander Yerima over disputed land in Abuja, Prof. Aworawo said both sides mishandled the situation.
“What is supposed to be the procedure when somebody has occupied land that has not been properly acquired? Clearly, there were procedural flaws. Normally, you write to the person, invite them to clarify issues, and then things proceed from there. Wike was wrong to just move. He knew before that the property was being developed by a former Chief of Naval Staff. He should have followed procedures and all of this would have been avoided.”
He added that the military should also be cautious.
“Some people say Yerima cocked his gun, but I didn’t see him do that. If he did, that was not neat. The military should not use what they have to terrorise anybody.”
Aworawo said the minister has long shown impatience.
“There are things you need to administer well. You need patience, fairness and all that. Wike doesn’t have any of them, which is why what happened happened. I hope he has learned lessons—lessons to be considerate, perceptive and have restraint moving forward.”
He criticised what he called the “rush” to revoke lands in Abuja.
“If people have acquired lands and didn’t pay ground rents, they should be told to come and pay. When the deadline passes, then action can be taken. But Wike seems to be in a hurry to collect lands. Who does he want to give them to? Spirits or non-Nigerians? We need an audit. Who are these lands being allocated to?”
Prof. Aworawo said the debate over the Federal Government’s reported cancellation of the mother-tongue policy should be based on evidence rather than sentiment.
“I have a slightly different opinion. The minister said the decision was based on data—that in many places where the mother tongue is used, children do not develop and catch up with others elsewhere. There seems to be truth in that.”
Drawing from personal experience, he argued the policy may have been poorly implemented.
“I did my youth service in the North. I taught. You see people about to complete secondary school who cannot utter a sentence in English. Something is wrong with how the mother-tongue system has been implemented.”
He cited the example of the rescued Chibok schoolgirls.
“None of them could speak English. That raises a fundamental question. Instead of being emotional, we should face the facts. In places where mother tongue has been used, what has been the level of effectiveness—in biology, chemistry? Have they been able to develop appropriate words to teach the children?”
“What I recommend is to look at this really carefully and perceptively.”
Looking ahead to Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against DR Congo, Aworawo predicted a tough contest but expressed cautious optimism.
“They have taken the longer route. If they had scored one more goal against South Africa or Zimbabwe, we wouldn’t be where we are now. But sometimes you take the longer route and arrive at your destination. It won’t be an easy game. Congo has good players and are disciplined. Their back is very tight.”
He said the team’s muted celebrations in earlier rounds signalled seriousness.
“They know they have not arrived yet. That was just semi-final. They don’t want to say they are already there. I agree with the prediction—2–0 if you ask me.”
Responding to concerns raised by the Committee to Protect Journalists over recent arrests of reporters under the Cybercrime Act, Prof. Aworawo said both journalists and government must act responsibly.
“How do we strike the balance? Sometimes we have reports, especially online, that are tendentious and have no truth. But again, there are people who write facts that may not be comfortable for government. Authorities must recognise that once a report is true and factual, even if they don’t like it, they should accept it.”
He noted misuse of state power.
“We see policemen arrest people over what they wrote even when it is true. Government has no right to arrest people for writing what is factual.”
He urged both sides to stick to the truth.
“Those who write should know that if they publish falsehoods, they can be taken up. Those in power must accept uncomfortable truths. If everybody sticks to facts, everyone will be fine.”
Boluwatife Enome
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