In a bid to resolve the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, Tony Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to involve key political and spiritual leaders to mediate between the warring factions in the state. Cole specifically mentioned the need to engage Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, to help bring an end to the conflict.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a popular political program on Channels Television, Tony Cole expressed deep concern over the ongoing feud between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike. According to Cole, the crisis threatens the stability and future of the state, and it requires the urgent intervention of influential leaders.
“There are certain people that Mr. President has to empower to go and speak on his behalf and call the warring parties because they have larger interests in the state,” Cole said, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution.
Among the key figures Tony Cole suggested for the mediation process is Patience Jonathan, a native of Rivers State and a prominent figure in the region’s politics. As the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, she is seen as a neutral figure with strong influence across political lines in Rivers State.
“If you bring Her Excellency, Patience Jonathan, into the picture, I believe she can help mediate because of her influence and long-standing connection to Rivers State,” Cole suggested. He noted that despite political tensions in the past, Patience Jonathan’s involvement could provide a neutral ground for both Wike and Fubara to reach an understanding.
Apart from Patience Jonathan, Cole also named other prominent figures who could play a critical role in ending the political conflict. He mentioned former governors of Rivers State like Ada George and Peter Odilli, as well as Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a spiritual leader with significant influence in the state.
“I will first of all call an old politician who was the governor of the state like Ada George,” Cole said. “I will call somebody who is considered to be a strong spiritual leader in the state, David Ibiyeomie. I know they both respect him.”
According to Cole, these figures are respected across political and social circles in Rivers State, and their involvement could be instrumental in diffusing the tension between the two political heavyweights. Cole believes that bringing together such a group of neutral yet influential figures will serve the “larger purpose” of ensuring peace in Rivers State.
The political feud between Siminalayi Fubara, the sitting governor of Rivers State, and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and political mentor, has dominated the state’s political landscape in recent months. Wike, who played a crucial role in installing Fubara as governor, has since fallen out with him, leading to a deepening crisis within the state.
While the details of the rift remain unclear, the power struggle between the two leaders has caused political uncertainty, raising concerns about the stability of Rivers State. The conflict between Wike, who is now a minister in President Tinubu’s administration, and Governor Fubara threatens to divide the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and destabilize governance.
Cole, in his interview, emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue to avoid further escalation. “This crisis cannot continue without affecting the governance of Rivers State. We are already seeing its impact, and that’s why President Tinubu needs to step in now,” he said.
Cole also urged President Tinubu to take a more active role in addressing the political crisis. He pointed out that Rivers State, with its strategic importance as an oil-producing state, cannot afford prolonged instability. According to Cole, President Tinubu should empower key figures to mediate on his behalf and ensure that peace is restored.
“I think the president needs to do something. He may feel that he needs to come in. Bring people who have interest for the larger purpose of the state,” Cole said, calling for swift action from the presidency.
Cole stressed that if the president does not intervene quickly, the ongoing feud could derail governance in the state and negatively impact the lives of its citizens.
At the heart of Tony Cole’s appeal is a call for unity and peace in Rivers State. He believes that resolving the political conflict is crucial to ensuring that the state continues to progress. With the ongoing tensions, there is a fear that critical development projects could be stalled, and political instability could spread.
According to Cole, involving individuals like Patience Jonathan, Ada George, Peter Odilli, and Pastor David Ibiyeomie would help create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue between Wike and Fubara. He emphasized that these individuals have the respect and influence needed to mediate effectively.
“There is too much at stake for Rivers State to remain in this political turmoil. The future of the state depends on resolving this crisis, and I am confident that if the right people are brought to the table, peace can be restored,” Cole concluded.
