Osadolor Calls for a Shift in Power Dynamics Amidst Rivers Crisis

• Timothy Osadolor of the PDP calls on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to recognize the political landscape shift in Rivers State
• Osadolor expresses concern over the FCT Minister’s influence and calls for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to maintain integrity

Amidst the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Timothy Osadolor, a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a call for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to recognize the shift in the political landscape of Rivers. Osadolor believes that acknowledging this change is essential for resolving the current crisis in the state.

The crisis in Rivers State has been exacerbated by the attempt to impeach Governor Siminalaye Fubara by certain members of the State House of Assembly. Osadolor, in his response, accused the FCT Minister of attempting to exert control over the state while a duly elected governor is in office.

Osadolor, who also holds the position of Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, expressed his concern, stating, “The endeavor by former Governor Wike to assert dominance over the current governor in Rivers State is embarrassing, regrettable, and distressing. The FCT Minister must recognize that governing a state with an elected governor is a different dynamic. When he served as Governor for eight years, he operated with autonomy and without external influence.”

He emphasised that the current Governor of Rivers State is responsible for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people and is the chief custodian of the state’s resources. The underlying concern is that Wike seeks to control the state’s resources, influence appointments, and dictate the allocation of funds, which Osadolor views as a form of political overreach. Osadolor commended Governor Fubara for taking a stand against such godfatherism.

Osadolor also called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in the FCT Minister to prevent his activities from jeopardizing the integrity of the presidency. He remarked, “President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, should assert his authority. While Wike holds the federal position, it does not elevate him above the state’s elected leadership. The integrity of the President is at stake, and it is imperative for him to guide Wike away from these disruptive actions, particularly given the multitude of challenges the nation currently faces.”

This call for reevaluating power dynamics in Rivers State reflects the urgency and complexity of the situation. Resolving the crisis and restoring stability to the state requires a recognition of the changing political landscape and a commitment to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.