Wike vs Fubara: Kogi PDP Chieftain Lists 4 Things Tinubu’s Minister Can Do to Avert Rivers Crisis

• The clash between pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has further worsened the political tensions in Rivers state
• Comrade Usman Okai, a chieftain of the PDP, has advised Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara to prioritize the interest of Rivers state and make peace
• In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Okai listed suggestions to prevent further division, including Wike reconciling with Fubara or leaving the PDP if reconciliation fails

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Usman Okai, has urged Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers state governor and minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to sheathe his sword and reconcile with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, July 14, Okai, the PDP candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal House of Representatives election in 2023, told Wike and Fubara to put aside their differences in the state's interest.

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Recall that Fubara and the Wike have been engaged in a protracted fight that has lasted months.

In a recent message to Wike, Fubara insisted that he would rather resign than govern Rivers state on his knees. This was a few days after the appeal court's controversial judgement, which voided the order restraining the 25 pro-Wike lawmakers from further parading themselves as members and conducting legislative business.

Wike vs Fubara: Okai proffers solution

As the ongoing drama between pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Fubara plunged Rivers state into a deepening crisis, to break the impasse, Okai maintained that ex-governor and FCT minister Wike must take bold steps to address the situation.

He listed the possible solutions below:

1. Reconciliation or departure

First, former Rivers Governor Wike should attempt to reconcile with Governor Fubara, putting aside personal differences for the greater good of Rivers state and the PDP. If this fails, he should consider leaving the PDP if he cannot work under Fubara's leadership.

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2. Unity and discipline

Second, the PDP leadership must take disciplinary action to unite the party and ensure the state assembly members work with the governor. According to him, this crisis hurts the party, and the people of Rivers state, and unity is crucial for progress.

3. Legal resolution

Thirdly, the parallel state assembly issue, currently in court, should be resolved through legal channels. All parties must respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to run its course.

4. Prioritizing Rivers state

Lastly, all parties involved must prioritize the welfare and development of Rivers state, putting aside personal interests and ego. The people of Rivers state deserve peace and prosperity, and it's time for bold action to achieve this goal.

He noted that by taking these steps, the Rivers crisis can be resolved, and the state can move forward in peace and prosperity, adding that the time for bold action is now.

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Rivers crisis: Group sends Message to Tinubu, IGP

In another related development, Legit.ng reported that the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has condemned the continued presence of police at 23 LG secretariats in Rivers state.

TAN described the police action as a violation of the rule of law, an affront to democracy, and an attempt to undermine the judiciary’s authority.

The group called on the Inspector General of Police and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw policemen from the council secretariats and respect the court’s judgment.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng