Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday intervened in the political crisis in Rivers State involving the incumbent governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Nyesom Wike, urging both gladiators to sheathe their swords if they love Rivers people.
Jonathan made the call during the unveiling of the Trans-Kalabari Road in the state at the instance of the governor.
The former president said while issues often arise during the transition of power from one president to another at the national level, they are generally better managed.
He also stated that the incessant battles between governors and their predecessors was gaining currency in the country.
He said such situation would not augur well for their followers and residents of the affected states.
“Let me plead because the political tension in the state is becoming too much.
“Transition in Nigeria is becoming a problem. At the centre, presidents have been taking over from Presidents, there are always issues but at least it is better managed.
“But at the state level, it’s becoming noisy in so many states. And I say that is not the best.
“Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the citizens of the state.
“And that is critical because you must work together. In this case of Rivers State, honourable minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the lands and the people of Rivers State.
“The tension will not help us. Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta,” he said.
Jonathan further said any instability in Rivers State would be felt in the whole of Niger Delta.
“And it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I’m from this part of the country and I know how the system works.
“And we don’t want any crisis in Rivers State. Leaders must know that nobody takes hundred per cent, you must learn the principle of give and take.
“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,” he added.
Recall that Wike and Fubara have been logged in political supremacy in the state.
While Wike currently serves in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government as minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he still wants to control the levers of power and also have a finger in every political pie in Rivers.
Last week, five Wike loyalists who served in Fubara’s government as commissioners resigned their portfolios citing toxic working environment as their reasons.
To stamp his political authority, Fubara had recently moved the state house to the government house in Port Harcourt to prevent a situation in which pro-Wike lawmakers would make any move to impeach him.
He also swore in a new attorney general of the state and commissioner for justice and hinted of a possibility of constituting a panel to probe Wike.
