Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has issued a plea for peace amidst the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
Jonathan made the plea while speaking on the theme ‘Public Relations, Value Re-orientation and Economic Transformation,’ at the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) international colloquium in Abuja.
Although he didn’t mention both men by name, Jonathan urged the factions led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike to prioritise peace and allow governance to proceed smoothly.
The oil-rich state of Rivers has been mired in turmoil following the fallout between the two political heavyweights.
Nyesom Wike, after leaving office in May 2023, was subsequently appointed as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government under President Bola Tinubu.
This move has exacerbated tensions, leading to a series of legislative battles, political maneuvers and violence.
In recent months, the state has witnessed escalating conflicts, including a notable incident where what was believed to be dynamite exploded near the Presidential Hotel axis of the Aba Expressway in Port Harcourt, sparking widespread panic. The state government swiftly responded by apprehending the suspect responsible for the detonation.
Addressing the audience at the NIPR event, Patience Jonathan underscored the urgency of embracing peace for the sake of progress and development in Rivers State.
She said: “We at this point plead that election has come and gone, and now is the time for governance.
“As a peace advocate, I will like to call on the waring parties in Rivers State, to shield their sword and give peace a chance.
“Knowing fully that no development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos. As a political office holder, remember that power is transient and it will end someday.
“Therefore, holding onto power after expiration of your tenure is an invitation to violence and anarchy.”
