The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has extended a warm embrace to the recent intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
Tinubu Intervenes to Calm Political Tensions in Rivers
Following a crucial meeting at the Oyo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, the governors released a communique on Tuesday evening, urging all parties involved to lay down their arms and pursue peaceful resolutions.
“The PDP Governors were alarmed at the recent developments in Rivers State and welcome the intervention of Mr. President to bring the crises to an end,” the communique signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed added.
“The meeting urged all parties to the Rivers State crises to sheath their sword and resort to peaceful means of resolution. The Forum further offers its platform for a quick and just containment of the issues involved.”
The meeting, which focused on the tumultuous situation in the oil-rich state, transpired in the aftermath of a failed impeachment attempt on Governor Sim Fubara.
The emergence of a factional speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, coupled with the removal of Edison Ehie following allegations of orchestrating the recent fire incident at the Assembly complex late Sunday, intensified the need for swift and strategic intervention.
President Tinubu, cognizant of the escalating tensions, convened a meeting involving Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In parallel, Wike engaged in discussions with a delegation of South-South leaders in Abuja on the same day, assuring them of the PDP’s commitment to resolving the matter amicably.
Impeachment: Wike, Fubara Hold Crucial Meeting in Abuja
Prior to these developments, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had already advocated for a ceasefire and emphasized the necessity of a peaceful resolution. PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba reaffirmed the party’s dedication to fostering harmony and stability in the region in a recent statement.
He assured that the PDP has
“commenced processes, using the Party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure that all matters and areas of disagreement are addressed”.
“The NWC therefore charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of our great Party in Rivers State to close ranks, unite, and focus on the onerous task of governance and delivery of dividends of democracy to the people,” he added.