Former President Goodluck Jonathan issued a stern warning on Monday about the potential destabilizing effects of the ongoing political conflict in Rivers State, emphasizing that it could impact not only the Niger Delta but also other parts of Nigeria. Jonathan urged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to reconcile and work together for the state’s development.
Jonathan made these remarks while inaugurating the multi-billion naira Trans-Kalabari Road project at the Nkpor-Aker Road Roundabout in the Rumuolumeni community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. He praised the efforts of leaders who have attempted to mediate the crisis and called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger regional and national issue.
The dispute between Fubara and Wike, which began last October, has seen Wike’s loyalists in the state House of Assembly attempting to impeach Fubara. Last week, Fubara accused Wike of leaving behind substantial debt and announced plans to probe Wike’s administration.
Jonathan highlighted the critical role of Rivers State within the Niger Delta, stating, “Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilized, and it will not end within the Niger Delta alone.”
He urged political leaders to adopt a spirit of compromise and collaboration for the sake of the citizens, adding, “Leaders must know that nobody takes 100 per cent. You must learn the principle of give and take. Our political actors must work together if they love Rivers people.”
Jonathan also stressed the importance of unity between outgoing and incoming governors, noting, “Both the governor and the minister are young people, very young people but they are powerful, and if you continue to fight, Rivers people will suffer. We don’t want Rivers people to suffer.”
Praising Fubara for his vision and dedication to the Trans-Kalabari Road project, Jonathan said, “It is only a person who has vision, and the commitment to develop his people that can do this. Your Excellency, let me commend you for your vision and the courage to start this project. If you must develop a nation, region, or state, there are critical elements that count.”
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the Trans-Kalabari Road project, which aims to boost socio-economic activities in the region. He assured the public that the project would be funded without incurring new debts, stating, “We have saved and we are using our savings to pay off the cost, which we have already done the 30 per cent initial advance payment.”
Fubara called on the local communities to support the project and prevent any form of sabotage, emphasizing the project’s potential benefits, “This road will bring development to our people. This road will bring economic advancement to our people.”
The governor concluded with a call for unity and cooperation, urging residents to stand with the administration and the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the Trans-Kalabari Road.
