Rivers crisis: Wike, Fubara power tussle could destabilise Niger Delta, Nigeria – Ex president, Jonathan

• He underscored the need for the warring parties to douse tensions, calm frayed nerves, put aside their differences and work for the good of the people.

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, says the crisis in Rivers State portends danger and could plunge the Niger-Delta and Nigeria into turmoil if the parties involved don’t sheath their swords.

The former President expressed concern over the power tussle between the State governor, Sim Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Terrritory, Nyesom Wike, saying the developments in the State are unpleasant and not in the people’s interest.

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 matter, Jonathan said the tension and uncertainty in the State could destabilise the Niger Delta, noting that the State is too important to the region to be bogged down by political crisis.

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.

He underscored the need for the warring parties to douse tensions, calm frayed nerves, put aside their differences and work for the good of the people.

“The tension will not help us. Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta.

“If Rivers State is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilized. And it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I’m from this part of the country and I know how the system works.

“And we don’t want any crisis in Rivers State. Leaders must know that nobody takes hundred per cent, you must learn the principle of give and take.

“So, all political actors must work together if you love the Rivers people.”

Speaking about the inauguration of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Jonathan said the construction will enhance the economic development of Rivers State.

He noted that the road construction would aid security forces in maintaining order and safety within the state while also decreasing accidents on waterways, saying, “ When you make major roads across the riverine areas, you have solved numerous problems.”