A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Usman Okai, has urged Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to sheathe his sword and reconcile with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In an exclusive interview on Sunday, July 14, Okai, the PDP candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal House of Representatives election in 2023, told Wike and Fubara to put aside their differences in the state’s interest.
Recall that Fubara and Wike have been engaged in a protracted fight that has lasted for months. In a recent message to Wike, Fubara insisted that he would rather resign than govern Rivers State on his knees. This was a few days after the Appeal Court’s controversial judgment, which voided the order restraining the 25 pro-Wike lawmakers from further parading themselves as members and conducting legislative business.
Wike vs Fubara: Okai Proffers Solution
As the ongoing drama between pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Fubara plunged Rivers State into a deepening crisis, Okai maintained that ex-Governor and FCT Minister Wike must take bold steps to address the situation. He listed the possible solutions as follows:
1. Reconciliation or Departure
First, former Rivers Governor Wike should attempt to reconcile with Governor Fubara, putting aside personal differences for the greater good of Rivers State and the PDP. If this fails, he should consider leaving the PDP if he cannot work under Fubara’s leadership.
2. Unity and Discipline
Second, the PDP leadership must take disciplinary action to unite the party and ensure the state assembly members work with the Governor. This crisis hurts the party and the people of Rivers State, and unity is crucial for progress.
3. Legal Resolution
Thirdly, the parallel state assembly issue, currently in court, should be resolved through legal channels. All parties must respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to run its course.
4. Prioritizing Rivers State
Lastly, all parties involved must prioritize the welfare and development of Rivers State, putting aside personal interests and ego. The people of Rivers State deserve peace and prosperity, and it’s time for bold action to achieve this goal.
By taking these steps, the Rivers crisis can be resolved, and the state can move forward in peace and prosperity. The time for bold action is now.
