Iruoma Okpalaebubu
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has stated conditions for restoration of peace in Rivers State.
The minister stated that peace can only be possible in the government of the State if Governor Siminalayi Fubara corporate and sincerely reconcile with his loyalists in the state
Speaking at a church outing in celebration of the birthday of Hon Ken Chikere, Wike said peace can only be restored in Rivers and the emergency rule ends if Fubara and his supporters sincerely change from their present positions and push for genuine reconciliation.
The former governor of the state asserted that no amount of protest could restore the situation of the suspended leaders.
He bemoaned traditional rulers and other leaders of the State who he said allegedly take sides with the suspended Governor Fubara in the political battle, saying that since the insurgence of crisis, they have not been able to cause reconciliation between the parties.
The FCT Minister said: “One month after Mr President in his wisdom declared a state of emergency to save Rivers State from anarchy, I challenge any Rivers so called elder, even the traditional rulers, what attempt have they made to bring total peace in the State.
“I challenge any so called 90 years, 200 years, what effort since one month and one week has seen that there is total reconciliation in this state.
“No amount of going to television to abuse anybody will bring peace, because we have always said that those who thrive in crisis, when there is crisis they are happy, when there is no crisis there is no food on the table. Those people cannot be real elders.”
The former governor of Rivers State condemned women who protest naked in the streets in the name of seeking an end to emergency rule in the state and calling for restatement of elected officers of the State.
He said what can bring peace to the state is a sincere reconciliation of both parties, not minding the political parties or interest groups.
“There is no need of embarrassing our women to be naked outside. No amount of such can bring peace, no amount of such blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is for you to humble yourself and say for the interest of the state I want everybody to work together.
“If you are sincere, everybody would have known. I told our leaders, yes, some people have tried to approach me I received them. I did not pursue them, but seeing me alone does not bring peace.
“There are critical stakeholders that must be involved in the process of this peace making. Nobody will be excluded. If any group will be excluded it means there is no total peace.
“Members of State Assembly and National Assembly must be involved. The two political parties must be involved, other leaders must be involved. In that way, we will now now that they are sincere in talking about peace.”
He encouraged his loyalists, especially the 27 members of the State House of Assembly at the event to jubilate over their victory at the Supreme Court, recently.
“One thing you must go home and jubilate is this; Assembly maintained there seats and you are able to step aside that kangaroo election. If anybody say you are nobody, that person must have a mental problem. So, we need peace, but let it be to the total of sincerity”, Wike added.