Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a truce in the Rivers State political imbroglio. Ongoing power struggles in the state have pit Governor Siminalayi Fubara against his predecessor and now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike and his loyalists.
Jonathan was speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday morning. He was invited by the state to flag off the long-anticipated 12.5-kilometer Trans-Kalabari road, being constructed at a price tag of N225 billion.
The ex-president who ruled Nigeria from 2010-2015 warned of the growing trend of conflicts between governors and their predecessors. “Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the citizens 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 land and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.
He urged collaboration between Wike and Fubara if the development of the state was their goal. “Political actors must work together if they love the Rivers people. I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians in calling for a ceasefire.”
“Let us do things that would rather project the state. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest.”
The longstanding feud between Wike and Fubara has prompted intervention from President Bola Tinubu, but he has been reluctant to involve himself deeply citing the principles of federalism, while the crisis festers.
Last week, five pro-Wike commissioners resigned from the state executive council. Mr. Fubara has moved the state assembly to a government house facility. His critics say he is muzzling the legislative arm of government, but the governor fears impeachment from lawmakers loyal to Wike.
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