Political stakeholders in Rivers State, especially Governor Siminalyi Fubara, have been advised not to allow opportunists to take advantage of the political feud between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue to threaten the peace of the state
According to the Rivers Youths Alliance (RYA), such opportunists continuously beat the drums of war by opposing the full implementation of the Abuja truce brokered by President Bola Tinubu last year between Wike and Fubara in a bid to end the crisis.
The group noted that several individuals and groups who see personal opportunities in any political feud, would rather short-circuit the governor’s political future instead of allowing peace a chance.
RYA, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tamuno Amadi-Douglas, said, “The recent political turmoil in Rivers State has captured national and even international attention, propelling the state into the limelight for all the wrong reasons; the unfolding drama has led to the formation of two entrenched opposing factions, escalating tensions within the state’s political sphere.
“In the midst of this turbulence, armchair critics and self-proclaimed experts have emerged, offering opinions and analysis often without credible evidence or genuine stake in Rivers State; while some outsiders use the situation for personal gain, a few from within the state join in pursuit of financial benefits, exacerbating the already tense environment with misguided comments and baseless claims.”
The group observed that many true state citizens are disheartened and perplexed by the rift between Wike and Fubara “and the mentor-mentee fallout represents a case of private interests turned public, hindering the state’s development prospects.”
It added, “Fubara, a longtime confidant of Wike since 1999, has seen heightened suspicion and a sudden deterioration in their relationship, prompting questions about what went wrong and why this mentorship soured; regrettably, respected elders and leaders, instead of dousing the flames, have contributed to the chaos, spinning disparaging narratives and shifting positions, further confusing the populace while their actions and disregard for truth and accountability, worsen the already dire situation.
It urged Fubara to consider thorough introspection and a return to his political roots rather than allowing fair-weather friends to spoil a relationship long built between him and his immediate successor.
RYA further stated, “Moreover, recent political maneuvers and alliances, especially Fubara’s association with past adversaries, signal betrayal and ingratitude, casting doubt on the sincerity of his newfound circle of supporters and Governor Fubara’s recent actions, including undemocratic practices and provocative decisions, risk further political instability.
“His confrontational stance, such as the closure of the Assembly Chambers and questionable legislative procedures, could eventually lead to impeachment or worse, a declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by the Federal Government while Fubara’s shift in loyalty and actions against the mutually agreed upon 8-point “Resolution” brokered by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite earlier calls for Tinubu’s intervention, baffles many observers.
“This sudden change of heart may lead Fubara into political isolation and irrelevance that may benefit some of those urging him on now but to avert a political downfall, Fubara must adhere to the spirit and letter of the Abuja agreement brokered by Tinubu, prioritizing peace and reconciliation in Rivers State because his newfound advisers, while seemingly supportive, may have ulterior motives that don’t align with Fubara’s long-term interests.
“In truth, Wike remains the pivotal figure truly invested in Fubara’s success and political growth: Fubara should acknowledge Tinubu’s role in reshaping his political landscape and embrace genuine reconciliation with Wike by setting aside the misleading counsel of those whose interests don’t align with his own.”
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