Irked by the protracted political crisis in Rivers State and the attendant negative consequences on development and service delivery, the Mayor of Urhoboland and prominent ex-militant leader, Mayor Akpodoro, has called for urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve the conflict.
In a statement made to journalists in Ughelli, Delta State, upon his return from a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Mayor Akpodoro emphasized that only President Tinubu has the authority and influence to end the crisis.
He noted that despite the president’s previous intervention, the situation has failed to reach an amicable resolution.
He urged President Tinubu to increase his efforts to bring the feuding parties together in the interest of good governance, development, and the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
While avoiding being overtly judgmental, Mayor Akpodoro called on all stakeholders, particularly those stoking the flames of conflict from both sides, to sheathe their swords.
He reminded the public that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the current Governor of Rivers State were once close allies.
However, according to the Mayor, “overzealous followers and stakeholders” have fueled the rift between the godfather and godson, leading to the current crisis.
Mayor Akpodoro further urged both political leaders to resolve their differences and restore peace to Rivers State.
He reiterated his call for President Tinubu to urgently intervene to prevent the escalation of tensions.
He emphasized that both leaders enjoy the confidence of the president and should work towards reconciliation to avoid further division.
“The President should not delay in stepping in to douse the tension. It is well-known that certain political jobbers and conflict entrepreneurs have been benefiting from the ongoing crisis of confidence between the parties,” Akpodoro said.
He added that while the President had intervened previously, now is the time for further action, especially with the latest judicial developments that have created a window for resolution.
He expressed frustration that the people of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria, are weary of the continuous negative news emanating from the state.
“The people of the state are tired of hearing about this conflict. It’s time for both parties to maintain peace in the interest of the state,” the Urhobo-born Mayor stated.
Mayor Akpodoro also addressed the potential impeachment of the governor by the Martins Amahewule-led House of Assembly, asserting that such action would only hinder progress.
He argued that impeachment would not serve the people of Rivers State and would ultimately undermine the state’s development.
“The governor needs to stay focused and not be distracted. The people expect dividends of good governance, not impeachment or counter threats.”
Mayor Akpodoro appealed to non-state actors issuing threats to cease their actions and allow peace to prevail. He stressed that true development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.
It is worth noting that Mayor Akpodoro has long been a proponent of peace and harmony in the Niger Delta, particularly since the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) by the administration of the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
