Rita Odafe
Concerns Over Political Tensions in Rivers State
Bode George, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the growing political strife in Rivers State, driven by tensions between the current governor, Sim Fubara, and former governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Background of the Crisis
Wike and Fubara are engaged in a fierce political contest over leadership in Rivers, particularly after the Action People’s Party (APP) dominated local government elections, winning 22 out of 23 local governments.
Warning of Potential Consequences
Bode George expressed that the current political climate poses a significant risk not just to Rivers State but to national and regional stability. He urged President Tinubu to guide Wike towards supporting Fubara’s efforts to provide benefits of governance to the people of Rivers.
Historical Ties to Current Issues
Bode George cautioned that failure to resolve these tensions could mirror historical conflicts in Nigeria, referencing the tumultuous events of the early 1960s that led to military coups and ultimately the Nigerian Civil War, which resulted in the loss of nearly two million lives. He emphasized the critical importance of Rivers’ stability to the entire nation and the potential wider implications for West Africa.
A Call for Reflection
He insisted that political ambition should align with the public’s needs and urged all political actors to consider the broader impacts of their actions on peace and security.
