Fubara, Wike must put aside differences, work for Rivers people – Ex president, Jonathan

• Speaking on the perennial rift, Jonathan said Fubara and Wike must work together for the good of the people of the State

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has weighed in on the political crisis and tension in Rivers State.

The former President expressed concern over the power tussle between the State governor, Sim Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Terrritory, Nyesom Wike.

This is even as he said that transition of power from one governor to the other is becoming problematic and creating needless upheaval in many States of the Federation.

Wike and Fubara have been at daggers drawn for months on end over political and financial control of the oil-rich southern State.

Speaking on the perennial rift, Jonathan said Fubara and Wike must work together for the good of the people of the State.

Jonathan spoke as the special guest of honour at an event organized by the Rivers State Government to inaugurate the construction of the of the Trans-Kalabari Road Project on Monday.

The former President stated that while issues often arise during transition of power from one President to another at the national level, they are generally better managed.

He stated that it has also become a challenge transiting power from one governor to another.

In addressing the situation in Rivers State, Jonathan underscored the need for cooperation and mutual respect between Wike and Fubara, saying Rivers is too important to the Niger Delta and Nigeria to be enmeshed in political crisis.

He said, “On that note let me plead, because the political tension in the state is becoming too much.

“Transition in Nigeria is becoming a problem. At the center, Presidents have been taking over from Presidents, there are always issues but at least it’s better managed.

“But at the state level, it’s becoming noisy in so many states. And I say that is not the best.

“Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the citizens of the state.

“And that is critical because you must work together. In this case of Rivers State, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together for developing the lands and the people of Rivers State”