Operating under the aegis of the Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, Ogonis living abroad have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, stating that the prolonged unrest is hindering development in the state.
In an open letter to the President, they expressed their disappointment with his continued silence on the matter and urged him to address the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the situation.
The President of the Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, Chief Ambrose Kii, made this appeal in the letter, a copy of which was sent to The PUNCH via electronic mail. Kii emphasized that President Tinubu’s silence on the crisis has emboldened Wike to allegedly destabilize the state and undermine the authority of the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for personal gain.
The letter stated, “We, the Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, write to express our profound disappointment and concern over your continued silence on the deepening political crisis rocking Rivers State. Your inaction, Mr. President, has emboldened Chief Nyesom Wike’s relentless attempts to destabilize the state, exploiting state instruments for personal gain.”
Kii warned that the consequences of the President’s silence are severe, claiming that Wike’s actions have escalated violence, increased insecurity, disrupted economic activities, and driven investors away. He added that the situation has worsened unemployment and inflicted hardship on Rivers State citizens.
“The consequences of your silence are dire. Chief Wike’s actions have undermined Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s authority, escalated violence and insecurity, disrupted economic activities, drove investors away, exacerbated unemployment and redundancy, and inflicted untold hardship on Rivers State citizens,” the letter read.
Kii compared Wike’s approach to that of previous governors, who he said respected the democratic process and allowed their successors to govern peacefully.
“We cannot but compare Chief Wike’s actions to those of past governors who governed Rivers State peacefully. Dr. Peter Odili, Celestine Omehia, and Rotimi Amaechi respected the democratic process, allowing the state to flourish after the expiration of their tenures,” he noted.
He further criticized Wike’s pursuit of control, claiming it has brought Rivers State to a standstill.
“In jarring difference, Chief Wike’s quest for control has brought Rivers State to its knees,” Kii added.
The Ogonis in Diaspora urged the President to step in and call Wike to order, stressing the need for him to stop interfering with Governor Fubara’s administration.
“Mr. President, your intervention is crucial. We urge you to call Chief Nyesom Wike to order, ensuring he ceases interfering with Governor Fubara’s administration,” Kii wrote.
The group also appealed to President Tinubu to support the Rivers State government in restoring peace and law and order. They called for an investigation into the alleged destruction of lives and properties in the state and for those responsible to be held accountable.
“The Ogoni people and all Rivers State citizens demand peace, stability, and good governance. We expect your prompt action to address this crisis. Your leadership can shape Nigeria’s future, and we implore you to act decisively,” Kii concluded.