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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has called on elder statespersons in the Niger Delta to step in and mediate the ongoing rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Thursday, Cole expressed concerns about the escalating tensions in the state, warning that the situation is precarious and could lead to negative consequences if not addressed through peaceful negotiations.
Cole emphasized that without a political settlement, both Fubara and Wike would likely continue their contentious and protracted political and judicial battles without resolution.
He argued that the conflict between the former allies not only affects their political relationship but also has broader implications for the governance and stability of Rivers State.
In a bid to foster dialogue, Cole urged President Bola Tinubu to assemble a group of influential figures to mediate the dispute between the two leaders.
He suggested that the President should engage notable personalities such as former First Lady Patience Jonathan, former Rivers State Governor Ada George, Port Harcourt-based preacher David Ibiyeomie, and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc founder Atedo Peterside in the peace-making efforts.
Cole noted that previous interventions by the President had not yielded the desired outcomes, hence the need for a renewed approach that involves respected figures from the region.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration and understanding among political leaders in order to foster a more harmonious political climate in Rivers State.
He said, “There are certain people that Mr President has to empower to speak on his behalf and call the warring factors because they have a larger interest in the state.
“Just on the top of my head, I can name three or four people that he can empower to mediate. I will first call an old politician who has been governor of the state Ada George. I will also call somebody who is considered to be a very strong spiritual leader in the state, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, whom I know that they both respect.
“I will call an elder statesman who has very little to do with politics but is straight and forthright, someone like Atedo Peterside; and probably because of her interest in Rivers State and the whole dynamics with all that has happened, I will also call her excellency, Patience Jonathan.
“Give these four people the mandate to sit the two warring factions, whatever the case, bring these people who do not have a direct interest of gaining anything out of the mix and have them speak to these two warring factions because of the future of the state.
“If this does not work, it is fight to the finish,” he said but emphasised the need to “find an intervention that seeks a middle ground” to end the “Titanic battle to control Rivers State.”
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