Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for reconciliation in the ongoing political discord in Rivers State, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to sheath their swords and collaborate.
Jonathan made this plea on Monday during the inauguration of the Trans-Kalabari Road in the state.
Expressing concern over the recurring conflicts between governors and their predecessors across the nation, Jonathan stressed the detrimental impact on the populace and the affected states.
“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.
“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 reemphasise that there is a need for a ceasefire.
“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.
“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.”
Jonathan also addressed the broader issue of transition in Nigeria, highlighting the growing challenges at the state level.
Meanwhile, the feud between Wike and Fubara has persisted, with President Bola Tinubu recently intervening to ease tensions in the state.
Last week, five pro-Wike commissioners resigned for the second time, citing a hostile work environment. They joined four others who had previously resigned.
In a preemptive move, Fubara relocated the state assembly to a wing within the government house to thwart any potential impeachment efforts by lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister.
