- Urges Tinubu to Call Wike to Order
By kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of INC, made this plea on October 15, during a press conference in Abuja.
Okaba expressed concern that the ongoing power struggle between Wike and Fubara could have broader implications for Nigeria’s peace and stability if left unresolved.
Okaba said: “Mr. President, sir, as the father of the nation, the alter ego of Nigeria, we are fervently appealing to you to call the FCT Minister to order. This is for the sake of peace and security in Nigeria. Stop this drift towards national disintegration and anarchy now,”
It would be recalled that Tinubu had, in October 2023, summoned a conflict resolution meeting in Abuja, during which he gave an 8-point directive to both parties which the Presidency said was aimed at restoring peace to Rivers State.
Okaba noted that while the governor adhered to Tinubu’s directives, Wike was yet to fulfil his part of the agreement, particularly by refusing to withdraw court cases against Fubara.
Furthermore, Okaba disclosed that Fubara was making efforts aimed at maintaining peace in Rivers state, including his absolute compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government administration and his constant efforts in sending peace emissaries to the FCT minister.
Okaba added: “So again, we appeal to Mr President to call the FCT minister to order as a stitch in time, they say, saves nine.”
The New Diplomat reports that Rivers State has been in the news for the past year over the cold war between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
While the reasons for the acrimony between the duo remain top secret, some insider sources believe that Wike and Fubara have been battling for the control of the oil-rich state’s resources and political machinery.
