Worried by the slow pace of development, a former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has called for a truce in the Rivers State political crisis, asking Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike, to work together.
Jonathan said that the face-off between both personalities has continued to have adverse effects designing policies and programs that could aid geometric development in the state.
Jonathan made the call on Monday during the flag-off of the Trans-Kalabari Road, describing the incessant battles between governors and their predecessors and the political tension in Rivers State as worrisome.
“Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the state and that is critical,” he said.
“In the case of Rivers, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the lands and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help”.
‘Heart of the Niger Delta’
Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis since late last year following a fallout between Wike, now the FCT Minister, and Fubara. While President Bola Tinubu had waded into the conflict and the turmoil seemed to have faded away, the drama took a new twist a few weeks back.
Some commissioners loyal to Wike have resigned – for the second time – while lawmakers faithful to the FCT minister have intensified their brawl with Fubara.
Worried by the unending conflict, Jonathan is calling for peace. He argued that the stability of the oil-rich state is crucial to the nation’s development.
“Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If River State is destabilised, the whole country will be destabilised,” Jonathan told the gathering.
