By Deborah Nnamdi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has voiced strong optimism that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State is on the verge of resolution, following a decisive intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing projects in the territory, Wike described President Tinubu as a unifying force whose leadership was critical in resolving the friction between the executive and legislative branches of Rivers State’s government.
“I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue, and the last time the Rivers people will hear such discord,” Wike stated. He further stressed the importance of the president’s counsel, remarking that “the president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do the needful to ensure peace and progress.”
Wike also outlined the expectations for both the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure this peace is sustainable,” he added.
Highlighting the priority of stability for the state, Wike concluded, “The most important thing is for Rivers State to move forward, and we are grateful to Mr. President for his tireless commitment to ensuring that we reach this understanding.”
The political crisis escalated recently when the state assembly, which is seen as loyal to Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. In response, President Tinubu summoned both Wike and Fubara to the Presidential Villa on Monday, where he mediated in a bid to resolve the feud and secure a lasting political solution for the state.
