Veteran politician and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has called for urgent reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, following escalating tensions in the state.
George made this appeal on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, urging both leaders to resolve their differences and restore peace in the oil-rich state.
His remarks come after months of political fallout between the two prominent figures, which has led to a series of unsettling events, the most recent being the burning of several local government secretariats across the state.
In his heartfelt plea, George expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Rivers State.
The PDP chieftain said his primary interest is seeing peace return to the state, and that justice, equity, and fairness should guide the resolution of the conflict between Fubara and Wike.
George made it clear that he is not taking sides in the dispute, saying, “I am not here to support anyone. I only want peace, justice, and fairness for the people of Rivers State.”
He highlighted that both leaders are key figures in the PDP, and their inability to resolve their differences is tearing the party apart in the state.
George also stressed that unity is crucial if the party is to thrive in Rivers State, a region that has long been a PDP stronghold.
On Monday, several local government secretariats were set ablaze in Rivers State by unidentified individuals.
These attacks occurred on the day newly elected local government officials were scheduled to assume office, further intensifying the conflict between the two political heavyweights.
Although the exact motive behind the attacks remains unclear, many believe they are linked to the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike.
Political analysts have warned that if the conflict continues, the state could face more unrest, which may affect governance and the day-to-day lives of residents.
During the interview, Bode George was firm in his stance that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the current governor of Rivers State, is the rightful leader of the PDP in the state.
He stressed that it is critical for all members of the party to rally around Fubara and support him in his efforts to govern the state.
“Justice is, who is the leader of the party in the state? It is not the minister, it is this governor,” George emphasized.
The PDP chieftain urged party members to respect the hierarchy and give their full support to Fubara, who succeeded Wike as governor following the 2023 general elections.
In his view, the governor, as the head of the state, should lead the party in Rivers, not Wike, who is now a federal minister.
George also praised Fubara for remaining loyal to the PDP despite the political tension.
He pointed out that the governor had made it clear that he had no intention of leaving the party, which he said was a positive sign of Fubara’s commitment to the PDP.
“The beauty of it is he stated categorically that he wasn’t leaving the party, and then they carried out this election,” George said.
Bode George revealed that the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT) had made attempts to reconcile Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike.
He explained that he had personally spoken with both leaders, urging them to put their differences aside for the good of the state and the party.
“I spoke with the chairman of the board of trustees and then made an attempt with a group of BOT members to visit Fubara to listen to his side,” George explained.
Following his conversation with Fubara, George said he reached out to Wike, who agreed to meet with the reconciliation team after returning from a trip to China.
However, as of Monday, it remains unclear whether Wike and Fubara have met to resolve their issues.
George admitted that while he has not been part of the recent reconciliation efforts, other members of the PDP Board of Trustees had visited both leaders. The PDP chieftain said it was the responsibility of the party’s BOT to step in when conflicts arise, ensuring that peace and unity are maintained within the party