Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to collaborate for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
Jonathan called for this reconciliation today, Monday, during the commencement of the N222.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road project in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He described the political tension in Rivers State as troubling.
SEE ALSO: Tragic Loss Shakes Iran: President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Accident
The state has been experiencing a year-long political crisis since Wike, now the FCT Minister, and Fubara, his successor as governor, had a falling out.
According to Jonathan, “Outgoing governors and incoming governors must understand that they need to work together for the collective interest of the state’s citizens, and that is critical.”
‘Too noisy at the state level’
He continued: “In the case of Rivers, Honorable 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 care about the people of Rivers.
READ ALSO: Apply Now: For The 2024 Fossil Fuel Grants (€50,000 Available)
“I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling for a truce and ceasefire, to emphasize the need for a ceasefire.
“Let us focus on initiatives that will project the state positively.”
“We are calling on Wike and Fubara to embrace each other. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest,” Jonathan told the gathering.
SEE ALSO: “Mastering Long-Exposure Photography: Techniques and Tips for Captivating Results”
“Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilized. And it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I am from this part of the country and I know how the system works. We don’t want any crisis in Rivers State.
“Transitions in Nigeria are becoming a problem. At the center, presidents have taken over from presidents. There are always issues. But at the state level, it is becoming noisy and I feel that this is not the best,” Jonathan added in his plea to Fubara and Wike.
READ ALSO: INTERACT-Africa PhD and MSc Scholarship 2024-2025: APPLY NOW
