Stakeholders Call For Negotiated Settlement In Rivers

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Analysts have opined that the political logjam in Rivers State is driven by alleged selfish quest for power by former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, currently the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, though from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extraction.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>

Recall that political tension in the volatile oil-rich state escalated following a recent Supreme Court ruling which favoured the Pro-Wike group, leading to the threat of impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the state’s chief executive, by the Martin Chike Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

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But, the question on the minds of politicians and non-politicians alike is what should be the options open for settlement of the political crisis in Rivers State.

Chief Martin Onovo, a seasoned politician and 2015 presidential candidate of the National Conscious Party (NCP), who spoke to Sunday Independent on Friday night, said: “The options are simple. Parties can reach a negotiated settlement.

“Wike has ignored the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) peace committee and also publicly denigrated PANDEF. “In addition, some media reports indicate that Wike has declared that he is not interested in any peaceful settlement. “Parties can continue the dispute until one party is conclusively defeated.

“Jagaban Tinubu can intervene to call Nyesom Wike to order, or remove him from his current position in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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“This may be unlikely as many claim that Wike is fighting in Rivers State as a proxy for Jagaban Tinubu.

“Currently, Wike has been politically isolated without any significant support and is presently confused and cantankerous.”

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Also speaking, Dr Victor Mathew, a cleric and security expert, said: “I believe strongly at this point in time that after the Supreme Court judgment, resolution of the crises lies with the Wike camp.”

Dr Mathew, Executive Director, Kingdom Advocacy Network (KAN), continued: “I want to also say that I am very displeased with the attitude and disposition of Wike in all these imbroglio and quagmire.

“His quest to annex, pocket and have total control of resources is purely driven by greed and obsession for power.

“The interest of the people is not a consideration at all for Wike and his gang. There is complete destitution of altruism and care for the masses. “I feel too that the President should do more to resolve this issue.

He too is driven by selfishness to give undue advantage to Wike because of the obvious political benefits, especially with 2027 in view.

“The odds now are stacked against the governor. He is only fighting for survival. “The people of Rivers too have a big role to play, which they are not so far playing from my estimation.

“The people must be more vocal and assertive to demand a quick and amicable resolution. “The people now are fragmented and divided along tribal lines, which the politicians are exploiting.

“In summary, it is a political problem and requires a political solution. “More of the solutions lie with Wike and the lawmakers who should subordinate their personal gains and benefits to the overall progress and development of Rivers State.

“Wike’s quest to annex, pocket and have total control of resources is purely driven by greed and obsession for power.” The…..CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE

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