“Power Must Have Limits”: Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo Writes Tinubu Over Wike, Rivers Crisis

Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Your Excellency,

I write this letter as a deeply concerned Nigerian citizen, compelled by conscience, patriotism, and the collective frustration of millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who are increasingly worried about the direction of governance and the growing culture of impunity in our political system.

Mr President, leadership is not only about winning elections or forming governments; it is not about snatching ballot boxes and running away with them. It is about restraint, balance, responsibility, and the protection of democratic institutions. It is in this context that I must respectfully but firmly draw your attention to the persistent arrogance, political recklessness, and chaotic conduct of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, particularly as it relates to Rivers State and the broader national political climate.

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has gone far beyond healthy democratic competition. It has degenerated into open intimidation, political harassment, institutional ridicule, and an unhealthy abuse of influence. The continued interference of a sitting FCT Minister in the internal affairs of a federating state raises serious constitutional, moral, and democratic questions. Nigerians are watching closely, and history will record how this moment was handled.

Your Excellency, 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. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a personal estate. Power must have limits, and authority must be exercised with humility and respect for due process.

It is troubling that Chief Nyesom Wike, who openly claims loyalty to your administration while simultaneously ridiculing opposition parties, democratic norms, and even the spirit of federalism, continues to operate without visible restraint. If he genuinely desires to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), there are clear and lawful political processes to follow. What should not be tolerated is the weaponisation of federal influence to settle personal scores, destabilise Rivers State, and project an image of lawlessness at the centre of government.

Mr President, silence or perceived tolerance in moments like this sends a dangerous signal that intimidation pays, that arrogance is rewarded, and that democratic institutions are secondary to political convenience. This perception, whether accurate or not, is already eroding public trust in government at a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and social strain.

Nigerians are tired, they are tired of political drama, tired of strongman politics, tired of leaders who act above the law, and tired of a system that appears to protect a few while the majority suffer. Both Nigerians at home and abroad are watching and asking difficult questions about the soul of our democracy and the future of our nation.

Your Excellency, this is the time for decisive, statesmanlike action. This is the moment to rein in excesses, to reaffirm the supremacy of the Constitution, and to remind all public office holders that power belongs to the people not to individuals. A clear directive, firm caution, or appropriate corrective measures against the excesses of the FCT Minister will not weaken your administration; rather, it will strengthen it and restore confidence in your leadership.

History will remember not just the policies you implemented, but the standards you upheld and the excesses you confronted. Nigeria needs peace, stability, fairness, and leadership that unites rather than intimidates.

I urge you, Mr President, to act now firmly, fairly, and decisively for the sake of Rivers State, for the credibility of your administration, and for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

May wisdom guide your decisions, and may Nigeria prevail.

Yours sincerely,

Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

A Concerned Nigerian Citizen.