The political crisis currently gripping Rivers State in Nigeria is having devastating consequences on the local economy and the lives of residents. The Labor Party candidate, Mrs. Beatrice Itubo, has expressed regret over the impact of this crisis on businesses and livelihoods of people in the state. She called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the state governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, to find a way to resolve this lingering political conflict.
Mrs. Itubo, former chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Trade Union Congress, said she visited the governor to see how her party could contribute to the quest for peace in the interest of the state. She emphasizes that the well-being of residents must be everyone’s main concern.
The Labor Party candidate also lamented that this political crisis had dissuaded tourists from traveling to the state, leading to a drop in activity at hotels and local businesses. She appealed to the various political actors involved in this crisis, including Nyesom Wike, Siminalayi Fubara and legislators, asking them to put aside their quarrels for the sake of peace and development of the state.
She said: “Vacationers are no longer coming to our state, hotels are empty, other businesses are starting to feel the impact of the ongoing unrest. If we, as neutral people, do not now seek to reach out to these protagonists and their supporters, there will come a time when we will no longer feel safe leaving our homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire of hostilities.”
She therefore addresses an appeal to both parties, inviting them to put their differences aside and prioritize the search for peace. She specifically asked Nyesom Wike to put aside his grievances against the current governor and asked the latter to ensure that his supporters stop making comments on social media that could further aggravate the tense situation in the state.
A peaceful resolution to this political crisis is crucial to enable Rivers State to regain stability and preserve its economic development. The population must not suffer the harmful consequences of this crisis and deserve to live in security and harmony. It is therefore up to political leaders to demonstrate responsibility and put aside their personal interests for the common good.