Rivers State Turmoil: Elder Statesman Calls for Peace Amid Political Rhetoric
In a bid to quell the rising tensions in Rivers State, Nigeria, a prominent elder statesman, Anabs Sara-Igbe, has urged the people of the state to prioritize peace over political rhetoric. This comes after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, referred to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara as "his boy," sparking reactions across the state. Wike’s comments, though seen as derogatory by some, have been downplayed by Sara-Igbe, a chieftain of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), who emphasized that the people of Rivers State are more concerned with achieving peace than with how Wike chooses to address the governor.
Wike’s remarks were made during a recent interview, where he clarified that his target was not Governor Fubara, but rather those who he believes are attempting to benefit undeservedly from the situation. "That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son. Why will I fight with him?" Wike said, underscoring the long-standing relationship between the two. Sara-Igbe echoed this sentiment, stating, "He (Wike) may choose to address the Governor any way he likes. What Rivers people want is absolute peace. We are not interested in how he addresses the Governor. They are friends and have been working together for long."
The current situation in Rivers State is complex, with Governor Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a six-month emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. Sara-Igbe has called on the people of the state to unite in ensuring peace and facilitating the governor’s reinstatement, expressing hope that Fubara will return to office before the expiration of the emergency rule.
Wike has also criticized certain individuals, including Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, and Celestine Omehia, whom he accuses of misleading Fubara. According to Wike, "I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think they are in charge." Sara-Igbe has noted that this criticism is not surprising, given that all parties involved are from the same political family.
As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of the state are crying out for peace and stability. With leaders like Sara-Igbe and Wike weighing in on the matter, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved. One thing is certain, however: the priority for Rivers people is peace, and all efforts should be geared towards achieving this goal. As Sara-Igbe so aptly put it, "What Rivers people want is absolute peace." It is this message of peace and unity that must guide the actions of all stakeholders in the days ahead.
