Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tensions in Rivers State.
He called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences and work collaboratively for the betterment of the state.
Speaking on Monday at the unveiling of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Jonathan emphasized the detrimental impact of ongoing conflicts between governors and their predecessors, a trend he noted is becoming increasingly common across Nigeria.
He stressed that such disputes do not benefit the residents of the states involved.
“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,” Jonathan stated. “So, I urge political actors; you must work together if you love the Rivers people.
“I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling for a truce and ceasefire to also re emphasise that there is a need for a ceasefire.”
He continued, “Let us do things that would rather project the state. We call on them [Wike and Fubara] to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest.”
Jonathan highlighted that political transitions in Nigeria have increasingly become problematic, with significant friction observed both at the federal and state levels.
“Transition in Nigeria is becoming a problem. At the centre, presidents have taken over from presidents.
“There are always issues, but at the state level, it is becoming noisy, and I feel that that is not the best,” he remarked.
The ongoing feud between Wike and Fubara has been marked by significant turbulence.
President Bola Tinubu recently intervened in an attempt to mitigate the brewing tensions.
In the past weeks, the state has seen a wave of resignations from pro-Wike commissioners, citing a hostile working environment.
This includes the resignation of five commissioners last week, following the earlier resignation of four others. Additionally, Governor Fubara moved the state assembly to a wing in the government house to prevent any potential impeachment moves by lawmakers loyal to Wike.
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