Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, warned that the political crisis in Rivers State if not checked had the potential of destabilising not only the Niger Delta, but affecting other parts of the country.
Jonathan called on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike to sheathe their swords, put the past behind them and work together in the interest of the people of the state and the development of the land.
The former President stated this while performing the flag-off of the construction of the multi-billion naira Trans-Kalabari Road project at Nkpor-Aker Road Roundabout, Rumuolumeni community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday.
Jonathan, who commended the efforts of some leaders who had intervened in the festering political crisis in Rivers State, also asked Wike and Fubara to cease fire so that the crisis would not snowball into a bigger regional and national challenge with greater consequences.
Fubara and Wike had been at loggerheads since last October with members of the state House of Assembly loyal to Wike attempting to impeach Fubara.
Last week, Fubara alleged that Wike left huge debt behind, stating that he would set up a panel to probe Wike’s administration.
Wading in on Monday, Jonathan harped on the need for outgoing governors and incoming ones to work together in the collective interest of the citizenry of their states.
He said, “In this case of Rivers, Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara must work together for the development of the land and the people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.
“Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilised, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilised, and it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I am from this part of the country, and I know how the system works. We don’t want any crisis in Rivers State.”
The former President added, “Leaders must know that nobody takes 100 per cent. You must learn the principle of give and take. So, our political actors must work together if you love Rivers people.
“And, I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling for a truce, who have been calling for a ceasefire, to also re-emphasise that there is a need for a ceasefire. Let us do things that will rather project this state positively.
“There is this common saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Both the governor and the minister are young people, very young people but they are powerful, and if you continue to fight, Rivers people will suffer. We don’t want Rivers people to suffer.
“So, we are calling on them to embrace each other. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest of the Rivers people.
“Whatever has happened, has passed. Let us move to a new phase for the interest of the State, for the interest of the Niger Delta, and indeed, the interest of the country.”
Jonathan commended Fubara for his vision, commitment and courage to take up the construction of the multi-billion naira Trans-Kalabari Road project, which has numerous benefits of making movement easy, enhancing response time to security issues, promoting integration and economic growth.
He stated, “When I was asked to come and flag off this project, I felt that it is only a person who has vision, and the commitment to develop his people that can do this.
“Your Excellency, let me commend you for your vision and the courage to start this project. In fact, it is not going to be a tea party. If you must develop a nation, region or state, there are critical elements that count. These are good road networks, airport, rail and water transport systems as well as security.”
Jonathan said that by providing these enablers, development would thrive in the state, and thanked the governor for daring to dream big and venture into projects that previous administrations had avoided.
In his speech, Fubara pledged his administration’s determination to deliver the Trans-Kalabari Road project to stimulate socio-economic activities in benefiting rural communities for the overall development of the State.
The governor, therefore, advised the people to buy into the project and ensure that they ward off any form of sabotage that may delay or frustrate the timely completion of the project.
Fubara stated, “When we went for the campaign in the three local government areas of Kalabari Kingdom, we promised you that if you give us your votes and we succeed, we will embark on the Trans-Kalabari Road.
“And that is what we have come to do today. We are a government, when we make promises, we keep our promises.
“I understand the cost. I understand the difficult terrain and I also understand that somebody has to take this step. If it is not done by me, then another person can also do it. But within our time, it is proper for us to make a statement to our people.
“I don’t want to talk about politics on this project. I want us to look at the facts. It is a difficult terrain, it is going to be expensive, but we are equal to the task.”
Fubara said his administration would not borrow money to fund the project.
He said, “We have saved and we are using our savings to pay off the cost, which we have already done the 30 per cent initial advance payment. So, the contractor has no reason to delay, but to start off the project immediately.”
While calling on the people to stand up against possible sabotage, Fubara said, “This road will bring development to our people. This road will bring economic advancement to our people. So, we need your buy-in. Your buy-in is not just standing here with us today, but giving all the necessary support.
“You need to also cooperate with the contractor, your leaders and chiefs so that there will be no sabotage. Let me also say it clearly, for those of you who are planning to sabotage it, it is your business. If we don’t do it in our own time, I wonder when you are going to get it.
“So, you need to buy-in into this project. The advantage of this project is making life easy for our people.”