Kehinde Fajobi
Prominent South-South leaders, lawyers, and activists have called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara to set aside their differences to prevent further hardship on the people of Rivers State.
Many elders of the region who spoke to Vanguard gave the advice.
Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, leader of the South-South Reawakening Group, expressed concerns over the protracted conflict.
“The issues playing out in Rivers State are unfortunately dragging on for too long, and if left unchecked may lead to something untoward that could have a spiral effect on the polity,” he said, urging both parties to resolve the dispute for the sake of the state.
“Only the two can decide if they want to resolve the issues between themselves and if they genuinely love the state as they claim,” Ambakederimo added.
Warri-based lawyer Kennedy Ota shared his frustration over the impact of the conflict on ordinary people.
“Currently, the power play between Wike and Fubara is not in the interest of Rivers State. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. In this case, the people suffer from the power play between these two political titans,” he said.
Ota noted that Fubara should focus on developing the state, stating, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
Lawyer Amaebi Clarkson also expressed concern, describing the court judgment restraining federal allocations to the state as dangerous.
“The judgment has further deepened the Rivers crisis. Did the judge not contemplate the aggregate effect it would have on the people of Rivers State?” he asked, arguing that the state’s House of Assembly should handle any constitutional breaches by the governor.
Similarly, Alaowei Cleric Ebikonbowei, chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption, cautioned that the ruling risks promoting lawlessness.
“This judgment only portends that the people of Rivers State should be prevented from enjoying the dividends of democracy.
“It’s an affront to constitutional democracy,” he argued, calling for appeals through proper legal channels.
David West, chair of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, emphasised the need for Rivers residents to act.
“We, as Rivers State people, must rise up and take over the state and leadership for ourselves,” West said, advocating for citizens to engage in advocacy to make their voices heard.
Coordinator of the Gas Pipeline Host Communities in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Kufre Emmanson, condemned the judgment’s political undertones.
“What is happening in Rivers State is purely political. Unfortunately, people no longer see the judiciary as an independent arm of government. Politicians now control it, and it is playing out in Rivers State,” he remarked, criticising the court’s decision to halt allocations based on a political dispute.
Leaders across the region are urging Wike and Fubara to move past personal grievances and focus on the well-being and governance of Rivers State.