Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is taking decisive steps to address the recent attacks on local government secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme, vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable. The governor stated that his administration is collaborating with the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence.
Fubara, who has inaugurated a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the killings and destruction in the state, emphasized his commitment to restoring peace. He urged the public to remain calm, warning that resorting to violence would only worsen the situation. The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, also reassured residents of his dedication to maintaining law and order, particularly in areas affected by the unrest.
Despite the efforts of the state government, the political conflict has intensified, with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing Fubara of ignoring a court order, which he claims led to the violence. Wike criticized the governor’s actions, suggesting that the judicial inquiry was unnecessary since Fubara had already pointed fingers at his political opponents.
Meanwhile, calls for peace talks between past governors and Fubara are gaining traction. Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, advocated for a roundtable discussion involving key political figures like Peter Odili, Chibuike Amaechi, and Wike to resolve the crisis and restore stability.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has also raised concerns, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene as the crisis threatens national security. However, former APC spokesman, Timi Frank, criticized the president’s late involvement, claiming it favored Wike’s faction.
As investigations continue and political tensions rise, Rivers State faces a crucial moment in its quest for peace and justice.
