“Wike, Fubara must work together” — Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has made a plea for a truce in the political crisis in Rivers State.

He is urging the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to put their differences aside and work together for the greater good.

Jonathan said this on Monday during the unveiling of the Trans-Kalabari Road in the state.

The former President emphasized that the ongoing conflicts between governors and their predecessors have become a concerning trend in the country.

He firmly believes that the repeated occurrence of such battles will have negative consequences for both their supporters and the residents of the affected states.

He said, “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.

“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 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.

“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 that Wike and Fubara have been in a long-standing feud, with President Bola Tinubu intervening to douse the tension brewing in the state.

Last week, about five pro-Wike commissioners resigned for the second time, citing hostility in their working environment. They joined the other four who had resigned earlier.

Fubara also moved the state assembly to a wing in the government house to forestall any possible move of impeachment by the lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister.