Former presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party, Martin Onovo, has stated that only President Bola Tinubu can resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, Onovo emphasized the need for the Tinubu’s intervention to end the crisis, which has persisted for too long.
He stressed that the crisis can be resolved if President Tinubu calls the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory and urges him to reconcile with the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The political activist opined that a conversation between the two leaders, facilitated by the President, can bring an end to the political impasse in the state.
As the Head of Policy Positions for the Movement for Fundamental Change, Onovo’s statement highlights the need for a high-level intervention to address the political tensions in Rivers State, which have been ongoing since the fall out between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
“Only Tinubu can stop the political crisis in Rivers. The President just needs to call Nyesom Wike and talk to him.The crisis will stop if Tinubu tells Wike to sheathe his sword.
“Wike is working with the President as a minister. I think the President can talk to him and his loyalists in River to maintain peace.
“All the President just needs is to tell the former governor of the state to concentrate on his work in Abuja and leave the affairs of Rivers to those running the state right now.
“That is all ,and Wike will listen. The minister knows what it means not to listen to the President. So, Tinubu can intervene in this matter,” he said.
Onovo described godfatherism as a problem in politics ,saying it was affecting delivery of good governance and democratic dividends.
According to the former NCP chieftain, the political space must be purged of godfatherism as it is a veritable source of instability.
NAN reports that Rivers has witnessed political tension lately owing to the rift between Wike and Fubara.
The rift has polarised the State House of Assembly with lawmakers loyal to both political gladiators electing different Speakers to lead the House.
Lawmakers loyal to Wike recently dumped the ruling PDP to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, while a couple of commissioners loyal to the minister have quit Fubara’s cabinet.
