Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, is calling for elder statespersons in the Niger Delta to intervene in the ongoing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He called the power struggle a “Titanic battle to control Rivers State.”
Cole expressed concerns that the situation in Rivers State is becoming increasingly volatile and may escalate into an all-out conflict if left unresolved. He emphasized the need for peaceful negotiations, warning that a prolonged political and judicial battle would benefit no one.
To broker peace and “find an intervention that seeks a middle ground,” Cole suggested that President Bola Tinubu assemble a team of influential mediators, including former First Lady Patience Jonathan, former Rivers State Governor Ada George, Port Harcourt-based preacher David Ibiyeomie, and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc founder Atedo Peterside.
Cole believes these individuals possess the credibility and stature to bring the warring factions to the negotiating table. Notably, Cole had lost the governorship election to Fubara, who won with 302,614 votes against Cole’s 95,274 votes.
“If this does not work, it is fight to the finish,” he declared.
The conflict between Fubara and Wike has been ongoing, with Wike recently accusing Fubara of instigating the crisis in Rivers State by refusing to obey a court order.
The situation highlights the complex web of political alliances and rivalries in the state, underscoring the need for effective, comprehensive mediation to prevent further escalation.
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