The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no amount of blackmail, protests, or public criticism will restore peace to Rivers State unless genuine reconciliation efforts are made involving all critical stakeholders.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday during a thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of former federal lawmaker, Ken Chikere, Wike maintained that lasting peace in the state could only be achieved through inclusive dialogue driven by sincerity of purpose.
The former Governor of Rivers State defended the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state, saying it helped avert what could have been a disastrous political crisis.
“One month after Mr. President, in his wisdom, declared a state of emergency to save Rivers State from anarchy, I challenge any so-called elder or traditional ruler in the state to mention any sincere effort they made to bring total peace,” Wike said.
He condemned traditional rulers and other community leaders whom he accused of taking sides in the lingering political crisis, rather than seeking reconciliation among the warring factions.
The FCT minister also criticised the recent protests in the state, particularly by women who demonstrated unclad in the streets, demanding the end of the emergency rule and the reinstatement of suspended leaders. According to him, such actions only serve to embarrass the state and cannot resolve the underlying issues.
“There is no need to embarrass our women to be naked outside. No amount of such can bring peace, no amount of such blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is for you to humble yourself and say, ‘for the interest of the state, I want everybody to work together,’” Wike stated.
He stressed that any meaningful reconciliation process must involve members of both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly, political parties, and other relevant leaders to be credible and effective.
“Seeing me alone does not bring peace. There are critical stakeholders that must be involved in the process of this peacemaking. Nobody will be excluded. If any group is excluded, it means there is no total peace,” Wike added.
The minister reiterated his readiness to engage in peace talks but warned that it must be done with honesty and inclusiveness to achieve lasting harmony in Rivers State.
