Prof. Okey Ikechukwu Urges Wike and Fubara to Sheathe Swords Amidst Tension in Rivers State
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Strategic Management and Human Capital Development expert, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, has called for peace between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Ikechukwu urged the two political leaders to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of Rivers State.
Ikechukwu advised that both parties must seek mutual accommodation rather than trying to “win” the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that finding common ground is essential for the stability of the state. He cautioned that if either party gains a comprehensive victory, it would create significant challenges for the future governance of the state, as “hostile, dependent forces” would make it difficult for the victor to govern effectively.
“Both parties should not strive to win; they should find accommodation for each other,” Ikechukwu said. “They should find out what deal others can live with provided it serves the interests of the state.”
He also warned of the risks involved in completely sidelining either Wike’s or Fubara’s interests, noting that doing so could create volatile political circumstances that could destabilize the state.
The call for peace comes amid heightened tensions in Rivers State, triggered by a recent incident at the Rivers State House of Assembly. On Wednesday, Governor Fubara arrived at the Assembly quarters only to find the entrance gate locked by security personnel. The security action stemmed from a claim that no official communication had been made about Fubara’s visit. However, Fubara countered, stating that he had informed the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, through a letter and attempted to contact him by phone.
In response to the situation, Wike publicly declared that there would be no adverse consequences if the House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, decided to impeach Fubara. The Minister, who had previously served as governor of Rivers, argued that if Fubara had committed impeachable offenses, including the alleged withholding of salaries for months, the Assembly had the constitutional right to remove him.
“If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong?” Wike questioned during a media parley in Abuja. “If you have committed an infraction of the constitution and the Assembly deems it fit to say, you should be impeached, then there is nothing wrong with that.”
Wike dismissed concerns about potential unrest following such a move, stating that fears of a breakdown in law and order were baseless. “Nothing will happen,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Fubara’s administration escalated following the recent events, with Wike criticizing the Governor’s communication with the Assembly. He dismissed a letter written by Fubara to the Assembly, suggesting that the Governor should have handled the matter more effectively.
In the midst of the political drama, Ikechukwu commended Wike for his contributions to infrastructural development in Abuja. However, he urged the former Rivers governor to reconcile with his former political ally, Fubara, to resolve the crisis and ensure the state’s progress.
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