By Ken Chiwendu,Daniel Peters
Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has urged warring political factions in Rivers State to allow peace to reign in the state
Dame Jonathan, obviously worried by the tensed political atmosphere in Rivers, following. a rift between Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike reminded those whose tenures have expired to leave the stage instead of causing trouble.
Mrs Jonathan, who was speaking at a colloquium organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja, advised that it is time for governance.
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 warring parties in Rivers State to sheathe their swords 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, Mrs Jonathan pleaded”
According to the former first Lady, when her husband,ex – President Goodluck Jonathan lost his re- election in 2015, she was in the room with him when the news came but she did not encourage him to stay on knowing that it would cause violence.
Mrs Jonathan’s advice followed the refusal of former chairmen of local government councils in Rivers state to quit office after their tenure ended June 17,.2024.
The former Chairmen who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike anchored their refusal to leave office on the six months extension provided by a certain amendment to the Rivers State Local Government Act. The situation led to the appointment of Caretaker Commitees for the twenty three local government councils by Gov Fubara.
But the councils are currently being occupied by the police to enforce law in case of any break down of law and order.
