Former President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to settle their differences and work together for the people of the state.
Jonathan delivered his speech on Monday during the flag-off of Trans-Kalabari road in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers.
He stated that the political tension in the state as a result of the conflict between Wike and Fubara is not helpful.
The former president called on the two politicians to “cease fire” and collaborate for the success of the state, noting that Rivers is the “heart” of the Niger Delta region.
Jonathan said issues involving the transition of power have been causing controversy in states, contrary to the federal level.
“The political tension in the state is becoming so much,” he said.
“In this state, Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara must work together for the development of the land and the people of Rivers state.
“The tension will not help us. Rivers state is very critical in this country. It is the heart of the Niger Delta.
“If Rivers state is destabilised, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilised.
“There is a common saying that when two elephants are fighting, the grass suffers. Both the governor and our ministers are young people and powerful.
“If they continue to fight, the Rivers people will suffer. We are calling them to embrace themselves.”
Since 2023, Governor Fubara and his former boss, Wike, who is now the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), have been at loggerheads over political control of the state.
Their fall out has brought about the polarisation of the Rivers state house of assembly.
Several commissioners that are loyal to Wike have resigned from Fubara’s cabinet.
Not long ago, Wike apologised for backing Fubara to succeed him as governor, saying that he would correct that mistake come 2027.
Afterwards, Governor Fubara pronounced that a judicial panel of inquiry would be set up to investigate the management of the state’s resources and affairs under past administrations.