Ex-President Jonathan Intervenes In Rivers Crisis, Calls For Collaboration Between Wike, Fubara
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sued for a truce in the Rivers State political crisis while urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to work together.
Jonathan said this on Monday during the unveiling of the Trans-Kalabari Road in the state.
Jonathan said the crisis which has led to the burning and closure of the State Assembly complex and mass resignation of commissioners who are loyal to Wike does not augur well for the people of the state.
Jonathan urged both politicians to work together, lamenting the incessant battles between governors and their predecessors.
“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.”
He stated that, “In the case of Rivers, Honourable 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 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 re-emphasise 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.
“Transition in Nigeria is becoming a problem. At the centre, presidents have taken over from presidents. They are always issues, but at the state level, it is becoming noisy, and I feel that that is not the best.”
Recall Fubara and Wike have been battling for control of Rivers politics with the latter blaming the former for not honouring an agreement entered before he became governor.