Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to collaborate for the benefit of Rivers State.
Jonathan made this appeal during the launch of the N222.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday, addressing the ongoing political strife in the state. Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis for over a year following a fallout between Wike, now the FCT Minister, and Fubara.
Highlighting the need for cooperation, Jonathan stated, “Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the citizens of the state and that is critical.”
He urged both leaders to set aside their differences for the development of the state, saying, “Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the land and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us. So, I urge political actors; you must work together if you love the Rivers people.”
Jonathan echoed calls from other leaders and well-meaning Nigerians for a ceasefire, emphasizing, “Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If River State is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilized.”
In closing, he appealed for unity, stating, “One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. We want them to work together for the collective interest.”
