Amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has urged for a peaceful resolution between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, in light of the ongoing power struggle in the state. The appeal, made during a visit to Governor Fubara’s residence in Port Harcourt, comes as the state remains in the grip of a political crisis.
On Friday, Senator Dickson met privately with Governor Fubara to discuss the political situation, which has worsened in recent weeks. The Senator, who represents Bayelsa West, called for immediate action to ease tensions and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene personally.
The situation in Rivers State has been fraught with challenges, as Governor Fubara faces resistance from his predecessor, Wike, who currently serves as the FCT Minister. The power struggle reached a new level of intensity when the State Assembly made an attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, a move that was met with widespread disapproval.
Describing the political environment in Rivers as an “extreme and rare political development,” Senator Dickson noted that while the state may appear calm on the surface, it is a fragile peace. He warned that a small spark could ignite widespread unrest, which could negatively affect the entire Niger Delta region.
“I appreciated Governor Fubara’s calm and peaceful demeanor amid unprecedented turbulence,” Senator Dickson said, praising the Governor’s trust in national institutions to help resolve the crisis. However, he also stressed the need for swift action to avoid further instability.
One of Dickson’s main concerns was the potential for violence, particularly among the youth of Rivers State. He urged young people, especially from the Ijaw Nation, to reject any form of violence or provocation. Senator Dickson warned against the destruction of vital oil and gas infrastructure, pointing out the severe consequences such actions would have not only on the environment but also on the region’s economy and national stability.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalism of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the potential to cause further pollution damage to our already compromised environment,” he said, calling for a unified effort toward peace and economic development.
Senator Dickson also appealed to the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, urging him to avoid actions that could hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis. His message was clear: unity and cooperation were necessary for lasting peace.
In his most direct appeal to President Tinubu, Dickson urged the president to mediate between the key stakeholders involved in the crisis. “I ask President Tinubu to prevail on stakeholders, especially my brother the FCT Minister and the Governor Siminalaye Fubara, to find a common ground for tolerance and accommodation for a quick resolution,” he said, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation for the good of Rivers State and the nation.
Addressing concerns regarding the Ijaw Nation’s position, Senator Dickson made it clear that the Ijaw people are not at odds with the federal government or President Tinubu. He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to a “restructured and truly Federal Nigeria,” emphasizing the importance of decentralization, environmental justice, and inclusivity in national development.
