By Jeremy Fregene
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s latest intervention in the Rivers political crisis will finally bring the lingering dispute to an end.
Wike spoke while reacting to the outcome of a meeting convened by the President to address the prolonged face-off between members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
President Tinubu on Sunday night met with Wike, Fubara and other key political stakeholders from Rivers State in a renewed effort to resolve the escalating tensions.
The FCT minister made his remarks on Tuesday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja.
He described the President’s move as fatherly and necessary, noting that this was the second time Tinubu had stepped in to mediate in the crisis.
“All I can tell you is that Mr President has been very kind to the people of Rivers. If there is a problem between the legislators and the governor, as a father, he really has to intervene,” Wike said.
“I remember this is the second time the president has intervened. I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time.”
The political turmoil in Rivers deepened on Jan. 8 when the state House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
Lawmakers cited alleged gross misconduct and unconstitutional expenditure as grounds for the impeachment process.
Wike said he had directed members of the Assembly to comply with the President’s resolution of the dispute.
“I have told the lawmakers to do the needful and obey Mr President, and I know they will not hesitate,” he stated.
He also expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would fulfil his part of the understanding reached at the meeting.
“I believe that the governor will carry out his own part of the deal to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will begin to hear this kind of discord,” Wike added.