Rivers State political crisis: Youth group challenges Wike-led reconciliation meeting

The Rivers State political crisis has drawn fresh criticism from the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI), which questioned the recent reconciliation meeting aimed at resolving the dispute.

The group said the process did not address what it described as the constitutional mandate of the Rivers State governor.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, SSYI expressed concern over the meeting led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The group also questioned whether the reconciliation process could restore what it called democratic order in the state.

SSYI asked what kind of reconciliation could resolve the dispute without addressing the political mandate of Rivers voters.

It also questioned whether a peace process could succeed if, in its view, it failed to address the issues surrounding the political crisis.

According to the group, political mandates should be determined through elections. It said Rivers State belongs to its people and that their constitutional rights should remain protected.

The Rivers State political crisis has involved disagreements among key political actors in the state and has attracted national attention.

However, SSYI said any reconciliation effort should consider the constitutional framework governing the state.

The group called on President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and other stakeholders to examine the reconciliation process.

It urged them to ensure that the rights of Rivers voters are protected during efforts to resolve the dispute.

SSYI said it supports the Constitution and the mandate of Rivers people. It added that lasting peace would require justice and respect for constitutional processes.

The group concluded that Rivers State should be allowed to return to stable governance.