Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised both the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to cease fire so that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State does not escalate into a larger regional and national challenge with far-reaching consequences.
The former President, who provided the advice on Monday when flagging off a multibillion naira Trans-Kalabari Road project at Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, praised the efforts of those leaders who intervened in the State’s festering political problem.
The former president mentioned the issues related with Nigerian government transitions and the crisis that has resulted from them.
He said that even at the centre, where presidents have taken over from presidents, it has been better managed, but that it is worse at the state level, warning that it is not the best.
The former president underlined that leaving and incoming governors must understand that they must work together for the collective good of their states’ citizens, and urged them to consider the importance of mutual acceptance. He stated, “In the case of Rivers, Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara must collaborate for the development of the land and people of Rivers State.” The tension will not benefit us.
Rivers State is crucial to this country. Rivers State is the core of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilised, the entire Niger Delta will be destabilised, and it will not stop there because I am from this region of the country and understand how the system works.
“We do not want a crisis in Rivers State.” The previous president stated, “Leaders understand that no one accepts 100 percent. You should master the notion of give and take. If you care about the Rivers people, our political leaders should collaborate.
And I join Rivers State leaders and well-meaning Nigerians in reiterating the necessity for a ceasefire. Let us do things that will help to reflect this State positively.”
Former President Jonathan went on to explain, “When two elephants fight, the grass suffers.” Both the Governor and the Minister are young, but they are powerful, and if you continue to fight, the Rivers people will suffer. We do not want the Rivers people to suffer.
So we’re encouraging kids to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So we want them to collaborate for the greater good of the Rivers people.
“Whatever happened has passed. Let us enter a new chapter for the sake of the state, the Niger Delta, and, indeed, the country,” he concluded.
He praised Governor Fubara for his vision, commitment, and courage in pursuing the development of such a route, which has several benefits such as facilitating transportation, improving response time to security situations, encouraging integration, and economic growth.
He stated, “When I was asked to come and kick off this endeavour, I felt that only someone with vision and a dedication to developing his people could achieve it.
Your Excellency, I want to commend you on your vision and courage in launching this endeavour. In truth, it won’t be a tea party. If you want to establish a nation, region, or state, there are some key aspects to consider.
“These are good road networks, airports, rail and water transportation systems, and security,” he stated. He stated that by giving the necessary enablers, development would thrive in the State, and congratulated the Governor for daring to dream big and take on projects that past administrations had ignored.
Governor Fubara stated that his administration is committed to completing the Trans-Kalabari Road project in order to encourage socioeconomic activities in remote villages and contribute to the state’s overall growth.
As a result, the governor asked the public to support the project and to avoid any type of sabotage that could delay or impede its prompt completion.
He acknowledged the tough swampy terrain that the road will traverse, as well as the related costs, but stated that he has opted to embark on it, signalling his administration’s guiding concept of prioritising the well-being and advancement of its people.
The governor maintained that there is enough money saved from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and federal allocations to complete the project without borrowing, which is why 30% of the contract sum has already been paid to mobilise the contract to site and deliver on time.
Governor Fubara also complimented former President Goodluck Jonathan, for accepting to perform the flag-off of the project since he knew the scale of the project and the specific transportation needs that it will solve, appealing to the people to assist the contractor for a successful completion of the project, Governor Fubara emphasised: “For us as a government, our duty remains, people first. We will focus our efforts on areas that we know will make your life easier.
So, please offer us the essential assistance so that this project will be achieved at a record speed. This approach allows us to examine several areas of the state’s economy. “We are not going to focus only on roads. But this specific road is vital to the prosperity of our State. That is why we are beginning it now because of the time required to complete it.”