Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to resolve their differences to prevent the political crisis in the state from escalating into a larger regional and national issue.
Speaking at the flag-off of the multi-billion-naira Trans-Kalabari Road project at the Nkpor-Aker Road Roundabout in the Rumuolumeni community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Jonathan highlighted the problems often associated with government transitions in Nigeria.
He noted that while transitions at the federal level have been relatively better managed, they are often more problematic at the state level.
Jonathan emphasised the importance of cooperation between outgoing and incoming governors for the collective good of their states’ citizens.
He urged Wike and Fubara to work together for the development of Rivers State, stating, “The tension will not help us. Rivers State is very critical in this country. If Rivers State is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilized.”
He continued, “Leaders must know that nobody takes 100 percent. You must learn the principle of give and take. Our 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 truce and a ceasefire.”
Jonathan also noted, “When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Both the governor and the minister are young but powerful. If they continue to fight, the people of Rivers State will suffer. We are calling on them to embrace each other. One hand does not clap; it takes two hands to clap. We want them to work together for the collective interest of the Rivers people.”
“Whatever has happened has passed. Let us move to a new phase for the interest of the state, for the interest of the Niger Delta, and indeed, for the interest of the country,” he added.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in his speech, assured that his administration is committed to completing the Trans-Kalabari Road project to stimulate socio-economic activities in the benefiting rural communities. He advised the people to support the project and prevent any sabotage that could delay its completion.
Daily Trust reports that the crisis between Wike and Fubara, which came to the fore in October last year, a few months after the elections, has seen several interventions, including from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, recent developments have indicated the breakdown of the truce midwifed by the president.
Political observers noted that the project flag-off is a strategic political statement from Fubara, who has been on the offensive lately. This, they said, is because Wike is not only from Obio/Akpor LGA, where the flag-off was held, but also started his political journey as the chairman of the LGA.