The Niger Delta Civil Society Leaders Forum, a coalition of respected civil society organisations and leaders in the Niger Delta region, has raised concern about the escalating tensions between former Governor Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and called for peaceful coexistence among them.

The forum, in a statement by its chairperson, Okezi Oduga, and secretary, Prince Emmanuel Anderson Ogan, lamented that the rift had threatened the stability, security, and development of Rivers State, and indeed the entire Niger Delta region.

They said, “The ongoing feud threatens to undermine the progress made in the state and exacerbate existing social, economic, and political challenges.”

The forum said the ongoing feud threatens to undermine the progress made in the state and exacerbate existing social, economic, and political challenges.

While lamenting what it described as the escalating tension between Fubara and Wike it said “We are compelled to intervene and embark on a peace mission to broker reconciliation between the two leaders.

“Our objective is to facilitate a constructive dialogue that addresses the underlying issues, fosters mutual understanding, and promotes peaceful coexistence.”

They appealed to “both leaders to engage in constructive dialogue, facilitated by our Forum, to resolve their differences and work towards a united goal of developing Rivers State.

“We encourage all stakeholders, including political parties, community leaders, and citizens, to support this peace initiative and refrain from actions that may exacerbate the situation.”