By Muhammad Mamman
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Mbata, has launched a sharp verbal attack on Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, describing him as an “illiterate,” a “big fool,” and an “idiot” with a past job washing cars.
Speaking in a public statement on Tuesday, Mbata accused Wike of making disparaging remarks about the Igbo community and claimed the governor’s criticisms were “baseless and offensive.” He emphasised that Wike’s statements “do not reflect the respect due to leaders and citizens of Igbo extraction.”
The remarks mark the latest escalation in a long-standing feud between Wike and Mbata, who has previously called out the governor for what he describes as “reckless political posturing” and “disrespect towards cultural institutions.”
Mbata’s statement comes amid rising tensions in national politics, where ethnic and regional affiliations continue to influence political debates and alignments.
Wike has yet to respond to the latest remarks, but his office has historically dismissed Mbata’s comments as politically motivated. Analysts say the exchange reflects broader divisions in Nigerian political discourse, where personal attacks often accompany policy disagreements.
This public confrontation highlights the intensifying rhetoric among political and cultural leaders ahead of upcoming national elections, raising concerns about further polarisation along regional lines.
