The former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged for peace and reconciliation amidst escalating political tension in the state.
This development comes after weeks of bitter clashes with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, that saw the defection of 27 lawmakers to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the controversial demolition of the state assembly complex.
Wike, who arrived in Port Harcourt on Saturday, addressed the issue at a recent event, saying, “Don’t pull the ladder that you use in climbing.” “When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. And leave the ladder too so that other people can also climb the ladder.”
Wike metaphorically accused Fubara, his former political protégé, of disregarding established rules and undermining his authority. He used an Oba as an example, saying although the ruler is newly appointed, he will still have to adhere to traditional rules.
The simmering tension in Rivers State allegedly stems from a power struggle between Wike and Fubara, both members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike, credited with handpicking Fubara as his successor, reportedly fell out with him over control of the state’s political structure.
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