South-South Monarchs, Leaders Urge Wike to Maintain Peace in Rivers

South-South Chiefs, elders, and opinion leaders have voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and urged Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to allow peace to prevail. They called on Wike, who they referred to as ‘Oga in Abuja’, to respect the rule of law and acknowledge that he is no longer the governor, allowing his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, to focus on governance.

The appeal was made by the South-South Chiefs, Elders, and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, where the group stressed that Fubara is being distracted by forces opposing his success, causing governance to suffer.

Dr. Omubo Harry, the National Chairman of the Association, expressed concerns over the disruption of governance and accused political actors of compromising the peace and stability of Rivers State ahead of the upcoming elections. He called on security agencies to intervene and prevent further security breaches.

Addressing the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Harry criticized those who have left the party but continue to undermine it. He urged them to leave the PDP for others to manage and allow the state to progress.

Harry also commended Governor Fubara for his calm and peaceful demeanor despite numerous provocations. He emphasized that the former governor, Wike, served for eight years, and power should now rotate, giving Fubara the opportunity to govern without interference.

The association lauded Fubara’s accomplishments since taking office, citing key projects such as the Ring Road project, employment, and empowerment initiatives. Harry noted that Fubara, having risen through the ranks as a civil servant, understands the challenges faced by workers and citizens and should be given the chance to manage the state’s resources and implement his plans.

He concluded by calling on all parties to respect the democratic process and allow Fubara to continue his work without disruption, stating, “Leadership is about trust, and Governor Fubara has shown that he is capable of delivering stability, development, and progress for the people of Rivers State.”