…suggests political solution
A former presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe, on Sunday called for a quick resolution of the political crisis rocking Rivers State as it may soon begin to cause serious harm to the nation’s democracy.
Okupe disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saying if not quickly resolved, the crisis could destabilise the nation.
He described the rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as well as the attendant political turmoil in the state as unfortunate.
“Going down memory lane, one is sad to note that the feud between Wike and Fubara is comparable to that between late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the then Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Akintola,” Okupe said.
“As remote and limited this crisis was then, it was one of the precursors of the collapse of that republic.
“It will be wise for the Federal Government and men of goodwill in Rivers and the entire nation to move in on this matter before it goes completely, and uncontrollably out of hands,” he said.
The ex-presidential spokesman said only a political solution can effectively resolve all issues and all sides in the crisis.
Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been at daggers drawn for more than a year now over who controls the state, leaving the state in a state of tension and turmoil.
There have been orgies of violence and attacks leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Okupe’s call comes amidst several such calls, from political heavyweights and other stakeholders within and outside the state, for peace to reign in Rivers in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
