A former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olabode George, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to cease hostilities and allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to govern Rivers State.
George made the appeal in response to the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, which escalated following the recent local government elections.
He emphasized that Wike, having served as governor for eight years, should recognize that his time in office has passed, according to Peoples Gazette.
The PDP chieftain also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and advise Wike to work towards ending the political tension in the state. George warned that the ongoing crisis could have severe security implications for Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa as a whole.
According to George, the crisis is driven by Wike’s refusal to accept Fubara’s leadership and is fueled by his alleged desire to control the state’s politics. George expressed concern that the crisis could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system and urged Wike to consider the broader interests of the state.
The former PDP deputy chairman also advised the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to address conflicting court orders contributing to the crisis. He cautioned that the partisan crisis could have long-term consequences for the state and the country.
Rivers State has been plagued by political tensions since Fubara took office, with Wike’s supporters allegedly attempting to disrupt the governance of the state. The crisis has sparked concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system and the potential for violence.
“One thing is clear: Nyesom Wike was governor of the state for eight years. He left the Government House in May last year and today, he is the FCT minister.
“Sir Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi were governors before him. Now that Governor Fubara is the chief executive of the state, he should be allowed to work. Nobody stays in office forever.
“I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid, Tinubu, as the commander-in-chief, will be the biggest loser.
” My understanding of this man-made crisis is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.
“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa,” he said.
Mr George added, “By 2027, the people of Rivers will decide, through their votes, if they want him to return to office or not. This is how political issues and ambitions are handled in civilised climes.
“Once again, I am appealing to Wike to look at the larger interests in this crisis. He should not allow himself to be used and dumped by the APC.”
