Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, the current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to cease escalating political tensions in the state. Jonathan’s plea came during the inauguration of the N222.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road construction project, aimed at connecting Port Harcourt with several coastal Ijaw communities.
Jonathan and his entourage arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport around 11 am to participate in the inauguration of the road project, which some observers interpreted as a strategic move by Fubara and his team to solidify alliances with new political partners amid the ongoing crisis.
Speaking at the event, Jonathan emphasized the necessity for Fubara and Wike to collaborate for the progress and prosperity of Rivers State. He stressed that political tension in the state was excessive and would not contribute to its development.
“Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the state and that is critical,” Jonathan said. “In the case of Rivers, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the lands and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help.”
Jonathan warned that destabilizing Rivers State would have adverse effects on the Niger Delta region and ripple effects across Nigeria, reiterating the state’s critical importance to the country.
“Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If River State is destabilized, the whole country will be destabilized,” he told the gathering.
Before the current political tensions, Jonathan was not widely perceived as an ally of Wike and his political faction. However, his involvement in this key infrastructure project and his appeal for unity signal a possible shift in the political landscape of Rivers State.
