The Mayor of Urhoboland and former militant leader, Israel Eshanekpe, popularly known as Akpodoro, has expressed concern over the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and resolve the ongoing conflict that is adversely affecting the state’s development and service delivery.
Speaking to reporters in Ughelli, Delta State, following a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Mayor Akpodoro stressed that President Tinubu is the only authority capable of bringing a resolution to the crisis, which has proven difficult to settle thus far. He acknowledged the President’s previous efforts but highlighted the need for further intervention to facilitate a permanent reconciliation between the warring factions.
Mayor Akpodoro, who refrained from taking a judgmental stance, appealed to the stakeholders, particularly those exacerbating the conflict, to cease hostilities. He pointed out that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, along with the current governor, had once been close allies until external factors contributed to their fallout.
The Mayor made a direct appeal to both leaders to end the crisis and urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, as the escalating tensions continue to have detrimental effects on the state. Akpodoro underscored that the President has the trust of both key figures involved in the dispute and should not delay any further in addressing the situation, which has been exploited by political opportunists for personal gain.
Acknowledging a recent judicial ruling that may pave the way for reconciliation, Mayor Akpodoro emphasized the urgency of President Tinubu’s involvement. He appealed for both sides to prioritize peace, expressing the growing frustration of the people of Rivers State and Nigerians, who are tired of the negative publicity surrounding the region.
On the matter of the threat of impeachment from the Martins Amahewule-led House of Assembly, Akpodoro warned that such actions would hinder progress and have negative consequences for the people. He urged the governor to stay focused on providing essential services to the citizens, as they seek the benefits of democracy rather than political strife.
In closing, Mayor Akpodoro called on non-state actors who are fueling the conflict to desist and allow for peace to prevail, stressing that true development can only thrive in a stable and peaceful environment.
