Babatunji Wusu –
- Urgent Appeal: INC calls on President Tinubu to address political tensions in Rivers State.
- Conflict Overview: Tension between FCT Minister Wike and Governor Fubara over political control.
- Potential Consequences: Unresolved issues could impact national stability.
- Eight-Point Directive: Fubara complied with presidential directives despite perceived bias.
- Local Government Elections: Fubara followed Supreme Court mandates for elected governance.
- Call for Peace: Continuous peace initiatives from Fubara towards Wike.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the ongoing political crises in Rivers State, specifically concerning the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike. This appeal was made by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the INC President, during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The tension between Wike and Governor Siminialayi Fubara centers around the control of political power in the oil-rich state. Okaba expressed concerns that if this crisis remains unresolved, it could have wider repercussions for other regions in Nigeria.
“Mr. President, as the father of the nation, we fervently appeal for you to call the FCT Minister to order. This is crucial for maintaining peace and security in Nigeria and preventing a drift toward national disintegration and anarchy,” Okaba stated.
He suggested that Wike’s conflict with Fubara may be linked to a desire to bolster Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the upcoming general elections. “While we understand the political landscape and the need to secure votes from Rivers for the President’s second term, it is misguided to assume that only the FCT Minister can help achieve this,” he added.
Okaba noted that Fubara has remained committed to Tinubu’s eight-point directive issued during a conflict resolution meeting held in October 2023, which aimed to restore peace in Rivers. He acknowledged that while many viewed the directive as biased in favor of Wike, Fubara complied with it.
However, Okaba criticized Wike for not withdrawing court cases he initiated against Fubara, undermining the spirit of cooperation. He highlighted that, shortly after the President’s directives, Martins Amaewhule led 25 members of the Rivers House of Assembly in defecting to the opposition All Progressives Congress.
Regarding the recent local government elections, Okaba praised Fubara for adhering to a Supreme Court ruling that mandates Local Government Areas in Nigeria be run by elected officials. He noted that Fubara has worked diligently to restore elected governance in alignment with Tinubu’s vision and the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Additionally, Okaba remarked that Fubara has consistently extended gestures of peace, sending emissaries to the FCT Minister. “We once again appeal to Mr. President to call the FCT Minister to order; as the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine,” he concluded.
