Wike also took a swipe at traditional rulers and elders in the state, accusing them of failing to make any meaningful efforts toward reconciliation. He said that despite the President’s declaration of a state of emergency to avert chaos, many leaders preferred to take sides instead of working towards unity.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has outlined key conditions necessary for the restoration of peace in Rivers State, insisting that no amount of protests or blackmail would resolve the ongoing political crisis.
Speaking on Friday during a Thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to mark the 70th birthday of former federal lawmaker, Ken Chikere, Wike emphasized the need for genuine reconciliation among all critical stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliations. According to him, real peace can only be achieved through sincerity of purpose among those involved.
The former Rivers State Governor warned that protests, including the recent demonstrations by women who protested unclad in the streets, would not lead to the reinstatement of suspended leaders or end the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. He described such actions as “embarrassing” and ineffective in bringing about lasting peace.
“There is no need to embarrass our women by protesting naked outside. No amount of such blackmail can bring peace,” Wike said. “What can bring peace is humility and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the state.”
Wike also took a swipe at traditional rulers and elders in the state, accusing them of failing to make any meaningful efforts toward reconciliation. He said that despite the President’s declaration of a state of emergency to avert chaos, many leaders preferred to take sides instead of working towards unity.
“One month after Mr. President declared a state of emergency to save Rivers State from anarchy, I challenge any elder or traditional ruler to point out what concrete steps they have taken to achieve total peace,” he stated. “Going on television to hurl abuses will not solve the problem. Real elders do not thrive in crisis.”
He stressed that peacemaking must involve all relevant stakeholders, including members of the State House of Assembly, the National Assembly, political parties, and other leaders. According to him, any peace effort that excludes critical groups would be incomplete.
“Some people have approached me, and I received them. But seeing me alone does not guarantee peace. It must be a collective effort,” Wike said. “No group should be sidelined if we are genuinely committed to restoring peace in Rivers State.”
Wike concluded by reiterating that the road to peace lies not in public blackmail or protests, but in honest dialogue, humility, and an inclusive process involving all major actors in the state’s political landscape.
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