By Peter Ejiofor
London, Nov. 14, 2023 – The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought has commended President Bola Tinubu for his quick intervention and fatherly mediatory role in quelling the recent political crisis in the state.
The group gave the commendation in a statement by its Convener, Chief Sunnie Chukumele, and Secretary, Mr Josiah Onoriode, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
In the statement titled “The Ugly Political Development in Rivers State: Matters Arising’’, the group said it observed “with very keen interest and worry, the ugly political developments and trends’’ in the state since Oct. 30.
It said that President Tinubu, being a smart thinker, might have thought about the security implications of possible conflagration of the crisis within the state and the larger South-South region which might affect the oil sector and Nigeria’s economy.
The group frowned at the roles of a section of PDP Elders in the state, which it alleged, took side with Mr Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, while “wantonly vilifying’’ the state governor.
“We would have thought that as elders, they should not have taken sides, but played conciliatory roles between our former governor and benefactor of the serving Governor, Sir Fubara.’’
The group urged the state government to create a council of elders to check the alleged bastardisation of the elders committee.
It suggested that such council should have stipulated qualifications for its membership which should be based on age, leadership positions previously held at all levels of government such as ambassador and chief judge, among others.
According to the group, members must be men and women of proven pedigree and integrity.
The group advised former Governor Wike to abide by his pledge not to meddle in the state governance since he left office as governor in order to give his successor room to discharge his duties.
The group said: “We take your word on this as a bond.’’
It said that as a former state governor who served meritoriously, and a former minister who was found worthy to serve again as minister, Wike should count himself most eminent as one of the state elders.Â
The group commended the Niger Delta Elders who recently paid a conciliatory visit on the FCT Minister on the sour development between him and Fubara, adding, “this is the right way to go.’’
It urged men of goodwill to be at alert against anything that may take ethnic and tribal dimensions in the state because the consequences would be deafening.Â
if such is allowed.
 “Rivers State at a time such as this needs more citizens and statesmen, and not tribesmen,’’ it stated.
The group also called on the first military governor, King Diette Spiff, who it described as father of old Rivers State and former President Goodluck Jonathan to wade into the matter to ensure peace in the state.
It also called on the inspector General of Police, IGP Kayoye Egbetokun, to investigate the suspected complicities of his men in the state on their roles in the imbroglio. (GBN)
