By HRH Eze Fyneface Ndukwe Amaechi
In recent times, Rivers State has become a laughing stock and a political toy, that has been treated with contempt and disregard in Nigeria. The state's glory days, marked by respect and honor, is now a distant memory. The glory days of the 70's and early 80's, when governor's Diete Spiff and Okilo governed the state and the citizens were addressed by others in the nation with respect and regard is gone to the winds.
This is my somber assessment, as a concerned and proud citizen of Rivers state. I hereby call on our unbiased royal father's, and distinguished elder statesmen to intervene and find a lasting solution to the current impasse that has almost grinded the state to a standstill, with the current trends casting on us a cloak of shame in the long run.
To me, democracy is about give and take, while considering equal respect as fellow citizens, no matter how highly placed one can be. In the current trend of events in the state, a no winner, no loser approach should be adopted, so that the state can move forward.
The crisis, fueled by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has brought the state to a standstill. I also advise that all parties involved in this, to be mindful of their words and actions, and also try to avoid provocative insinuations that could escalate tensions. Instead, they should advocate for civility and peaceful resolution of the already established crisis in the state. We should not forget that the continued crisis could stifle economic development, considering the fact that most companies in Rivers State, which is the largest oil producing state in Nigeria, might because of insecurity consider moving their companies outside Rivers State to other states like Lagos in particular, thereby rendering our teeming youths jobless.
The solution to the crisis lies in mediation and sincere reconciliation. This would require political gladiators to put aside their self-interest and ego, while prioritizing the well-being of the people, who would directly bear the brunt of this power tussle. Please let us employ civility in this political Imbroglio so we can attain a peaceful end.
As a proud Rivers son and stakeholder, I am worried where this issue will take the state to, forward or backward, one is yet to determine.
The situation in Rivers State is indeed dire, with the conflict affecting not only the state's governance but also its economy and infrastructure. This crisis has overshadowed the state's development projects, including infrastructure expansion, healthcare initiatives, and economic empowerment programs
I however postulate, that to resolve the crisis, it is essential to address the underlying issues, including the manipulation of state institutions and the rule of law, which would be to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, electoral commission, and anti-corruption agencies is crucial.
Ultimately, the people of Rivers State deserve a peaceful and prosperous future. It is time for our political leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the state and its citizens.
In the regard, I respectfully conclude my humble submission with the words of Homer's Iliad, "Of what good would it be to further stab a man that's already on the ground?"