**Fatshimetrie: Rivers political tensions threaten national stability**
The political scene in Rivers has been gripped by growing tensions in recent times, with the open conflict between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, threatening to spill over and affect the entire country. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) is urgently appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore calm in the region, to avoid an escalation into chaos and national disintegration.
At the heart of this tug-of-war is a power struggle between Wike and Fubara, fuelled by complex political issues and personal ambitions. The INC points out that Wike’s actions could be motivated by a desire to bolster Tinubu’s electoral chances in the forthcoming general elections, to the detriment of Rivers’ stability.
Despite Fubara’s efforts to comply with Tinubu’s directives at the conflict resolution meeting in Abuja, the FCT Minister has failed to withdraw the legal proceedings against the governor, thereby jeopardizing reconciliation efforts. This has been seen as a betrayal of the agreements reached at the meeting, and has led to an atmosphere of growing distrust and polarization.
The recent defection of 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the opposition All People’s Congress Party following presidential directives raises questions about the loyalty and motivations of some political actors in the region. This fragile situation requires urgent and decisive intervention to prevent any escalation of the conflict and its adverse impact on regional and national stability.
It is imperative that President Tinubu exercise his authority and call the FCT Minister to order to restore a climate of peace and cooperation in Rivers. The entire nation has its eyes fixed on this strategic region, and the political future of the country largely depends on how the current tensions are managed and resolved.
In conclusion, the political situation in Rivers is a crucial test of democracy and governance in Nigeria. The country’s leaders must act wisely and responsibly to defuse conflicts and pave the way for inclusive and constructive dialogue. National unity and solidarity must prevail over partisan and personal interests, to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all citizens of Nigeria.