Former President Goodluck Jonathan has intervened in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to put aside their differences and collaborate for the benefit of the state, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Trans-Kalabari Road on Monday, Jonathan pointed out the importance of unity between outgoing and incoming governors.
Jonathan expressed his concern over the persistent conflicts between governors and their predecessors, noting that such tensions are particularly troubling in Rivers State.
“Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the state and that is critical,” he stated.
Specifically addressing the situation in Rivers, Jonathan called on Wike and Fubara to join forces in developing the state.
“In the case of Rivers, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the lands and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help,” he said.
The rift between Fubara and Wike became evident less than six months after Fubara succeeded Wike as governor of Rivers State.
Efforts to reconcile the two political figures have failed, with tensions escalating to the point where a Rivers High Court restrained lawmakers loyal to Wike from acting as members of the state assembly.
Addressing a gathering in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Governor Wike acknowledged his mistake in supporting Fubara’s candidacy and vowed to correct it in due course.
The former Rivers State Governor acknowledged that he had made a mistake in his judgement of Fubara and asked the people of the Local Government Area (LGA) and his political family to forgive him.
He assured them that they would correct the mistake at the appropriate time, insisting that he would continue to make his detractors angry, causing them to make mistakes.
Meanwhile, Fubara announced plans to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the governance of the state and also the affairs of his predecessor in office, Wike.
The governor said that the state is facing a critical situation, where the ongoing political crisis has made it clear that a resolution cannot be reached amicably.
He accused his opponents of deliberately sabotaging his administration, despite his efforts to resolve the issues peacefully.
The governor vowed to make tough decisions moving forward, regardless of how hurtful they may seem.
