The Mayor of Urhoboland and prominent ex-militant leader, His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro, has called for a political solution to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. He urged the feuding parties to set aside their differences in order to eliminate the influence of what he termed “demagogues,” emphasizing that the conflict, rooted in a clash of personalities, can only be resolved through dialogue. Mayor Akpodoro stated that while constitutionalism is vital, it may not be enough to bring the much-needed peace to the region.
Speaking from his Mayoral Palace in Ughelli, the headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, Mayor Akpodoro expressed his concerns over the prolonged political feud, which has been allowed to fester by key stakeholders in Rivers State. He called on Governor Sim Fubara to seek reconciliation with his estranged godfather, former Governor Nyesom Wike, as the ongoing conflict could undermine governance and worsen the living conditions of the people.
“The longer this crisis continues, the worse the situation will become for the people of Rivers State. Governor Fubara must take the initiative to make peace with Wike. The political crisis should not be allowed to further destabilize the state. This is an issue that can be settled politically, without resorting to prolonged confrontation,” Mayor Akpodoro remarked.
The Mayor also urged supporters of both political leaders to step back from the conflict, emphasizing that peace is essential for development to flourish. He criticized political leaders and elders in the state for their failure to mediate, as many have chosen sides in the dispute, further widening the gap between the two influential figures.
Furthermore, Mayor Akpodoro accused some individuals, particularly unrepentant militants, of exploiting the crisis for personal gain. He claimed that instead of seeking genuine resolution, these individuals were using social media to boast and issue empty threats, falsely displaying support for the governor. According to him, these militants’ support for the governor is motivated by self-interest, and they would quickly abandon the governor if he were to be impeached, as some have speculated.
In a separate matter, Mayor Akpodoro praised the swift actions of the Nigeria Police Force and the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for their rapid response to an explosion that struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline, one of Nigeria’s largest oil pipelines. The explosion, which occurred late Monday evening in Rivers State, caused significant disruption and raised concerns about environmental damage and economic losses. Thick plumes of smoke from the explosion were visible from miles away.
Two individuals linked to the explosion have been arrested by TSSNL in a joint operation with the police and are currently being interrogated. Mayor Akpodoro expressed his support for the increased funding of TSSNL to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate, which includes securing Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
“This is why I have always advocated for increased funding for TSSNL. Their quick response to this pipeline explosion is a testament to the importance of supporting the security surveillance of our pipelines. We must ensure that the operational capacity of TSSNL is expanded to protect our national assets,” he emphasized.
The Mayor also reiterated his call for President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the Rivers State political crisis for the sake of the nation’s unity. He stressed that the political atmosphere in the state had been unnecessarily heated by the ongoing conflict, and it was time for the parties involved to allow the political system to function smoothly.
“Fubara and Wike should remember that before them, there were other godsons and godfathers, and they will not be the last. The political system must be allowed to breathe and function for the benefit of the people,” Mayor Akpodoro concluded.
