Elders from the Niger Delta have urged Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to speak up about the political unrest roiling Rivers State.
In a statement released on Saturday by Dr. Kingsley Kuku, the 60-member elder delegation encouraged Wike to step in and resolve the dilemma, citing his proteges as the majority of those currently holding positions of authority in Rivers State’s legislative and executive branches.
As part of their efforts to settle the dispute between Wike and Governor Sim Fubara, his successor, the elders made the call during their visit to show sympathy with Wike.
They said that applauding Wike on his appointment as a minister and thanking President Bola Tinubu for considering one of their own for the role are important parts of their purpose.
Nonetheless, the delegation denounced the Rivers State House of Assembly’s attempt to remove the state governor due to accusations of grave misbehaviour.
“As Lagos State is very dear to the South West, so is Rivers State to the Niger Delta. This is because as an injury to one is an injury to all, we feel justified to condemn the macabre dance playing out there.
“We join PANDEF, INC, IYC, MOSIEND, MOSOP, Ogbakor Ikwerre and all other responsible bodies in the Niger Delta in condemning the mischievous attempts at the State House of Assembly to impeach the State Governor on frivolous grounds of ‘gross misconduct’.
Rivers Crisis: Fubara Apologises Over Political Crisis With Wike
“It is quite unacceptable to us and to the entire Niger Delta. Any person, authority or group of persons involved in stoking this fire is strongly advised to desist from it and allow peace to reign,” the statement said.
The elders urged Wike to utilise his clout to contain the political issue in Rivers before it worsens, warning that any unrest in the state would have effects that would extend beyond its borders.
“They will listen to you when you talk to them. All eyes are on you. Be the peacemaker that you are and do all you can to timely quench this fire before it becomes devastating.
“The consequences will do no one any good. It will not also speak well of us as Rivers people in particular and Niger Deltans in general.
“Your silence in this matter will not be golden and the world will think you’re playing the ostrich.
Wike Justifies Rift With Fubara, Says Demanding N20 Billion Is Politics
“We plead with you to step into a peaceful resolution of this matter so that the Nigerian populace will not say that Pompey was drinking tea when Rome was burning,” the statement added.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.