Group Criticizes Rivers Elders’ Request for Action Against Wike
The Rivers Peace Initiative has criticized the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum for their call to impose sanctions on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over his recent remarks concerning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, made controversial comments during the PDP’s Rivers State congress in Port Harcourt last Saturday. He suggested that he might incite unrest in states backing his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, to gain control over the party’s structure.
This statement drew significant backlash, including from the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, led by former governor Rufus Ada-George. They have written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to take action against Wike.
In response, the Rivers Peace Initiative released a statement titled “Peace, Not Politics: A Plea for Genuine Leadership in Rivers State.” The group argued that while the elders’ concerns are valid, their call for sanctions might exacerbate the political tensions in the state rather than resolve them.
Obinna Ebogidi, the convener of the initiative, criticized the elders’ letter for being biased. He noted that it solely targeted Wike without considering the broader context of the political conflict. Ebogidi emphasized the need for a balanced and constructive approach to addressing the ongoing crisis.
The statement reads, “The recent open letter from the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum to President Bola Tinubu outlines the need for a constructive approach to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State. While condemning Nyesom Wike’s provocative statements is necessary, calling for federal sanctions could heighten tensions rather than foster peace.
“Key issues include the letter’s apparent bias, as it focuses only on Wike without addressing the actions of other involved parties. Effective conflict resolution demands impartiality and a comprehensive perspective. Even respected elders must recognize their part in the current situation.
“Moreover, the call for federal intervention might further escalate the crisis. Previous federal actions, which some Rivers stakeholders, including elders, opposed, have only intensified tensions.”
Ebogidi urged the elders to act as neutral mediators, emphasizing that their primary goal should be maintaining peace and unity in Rivers State.
