**"Something Fishy": NBA Ilorin Branch Chairman Weighs In on Wike-AbdulRazaq Rift**

 

A public disagreement between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has drawn commentary from legal expert Jimoh Muhammed, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ilorin Branch. Speaking in a personal capacity as a lawyer, Muhammed noted that the conflict between the two political figures appears "fishy" given their alignment under the current administration.

 

**Wike Alleges Political Campaign Against Him**

 

The controversy escalated following Wike's comments during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The FCT Minister openly accused Governor AbdulRazaq of championing a political movement against him and claimed he had confronted the Kwara Governor directly.

 

"Take for example, Kwara, he has been the one championing this campaign against me everywhere. Yes, I have confronted him too. I don’t talk about what I cannot defend," Wike stated.

 

Wike further alleged that AbdulRazaq accused him of sponsoring political candidates opposing the governor's interests in Kwara State. The minister argued that AbdulRazaq should instead appreciate his actions in offering a platform to aggrieved APC members who joined the PDP rather than aligning with anti-Tinubu factions.

 

**"Something Fishy" Between Political Allies**

 

Commenting on the public fallout in an interview with *Vanguard*, Muhammed emphasized that while political differences are common, the friction between figures tied to the same government raises questions.

 

"I’m not speaking in my capacity as the NBA chairman Ilorin branch, I’m speaking as a lawyer," Muhammed clarified. "The FCT minister who is having a daily bread from APC and at the same time attacking the state governor who is also APC, there must be something fishy between the two of them."

 

**Silence from the Presidency and Freedom of Speech**

 

Muhammed also pointed out the absence of an official reaction from the federal government regarding Wike's public criticism of a sitting governor.

 

"Up to today I’ve not heard or seen any press statement from the government at the national level condemning the act or attitude of FCT Minister," he observed.

 

Despite the friction, Muhammed urged caution, reminding observers that both leaders are exercising their fundamental rights.

 

"One has to be careful in handling the issue. In his own right, if FCT Minister sees something that is not okay, he has freedom of speech and the governor himself knows what he is doing," he concluded.

 

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* **The Legal Perspective:** NBA Ilorin Chairman Jimoh Muhammed (speaking personally) describes the rift within the ruling establishment as "fishy."

* **Federal Silence:** The lack of an official statement from the Presidency leaves questions about the internal dynamics between both leaders.