The Presidency has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining neutrality in the ongoing political crisis engulfing Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor turned Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have been embroiled in a bitter feud, escalating tensions within the state.
Despite Wike’s initial support for Fubara’s candidacy, their relationship deteriorated within six months of Fubara assuming office. Efforts by Tinubu to broker peace between the warring factions through a signed accord proved futile as hostilities resumed shortly after.
The conflict reached a climax when a Rivers High Court restrained lawmakers aligned with Wike from assuming their roles in the state assembly.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, emphasized during a TVC interview that President Tinubu would remain impartial in the crisis, ensuring the smooth operation of the Rivers State Government for the benefit of its people.
Ngelale affirmed, “If they are banking on Mr. President to take sides on this matter, they’re mistaken and they’ll be disappointed. Mr. President will not do that.”
He added, “What he will do is to ensure that everybody has what they need in order to work.
“He will also ensure that any attempt to frustrate the operation of the Rivers State Government from conducting its affairs in a way that it would benefit the Rivers people, that’s obviously not going to be allowed by this President or anybody else. So, I think there’s a need for all stakeholders to understand that Mr President won’t take sides.”
The statement underscores the Presidency’s stance on fostering peace and stability within Rivers State, urging all stakeholders to cooperate and refrain from expecting partisan intervention from President Tinubu.