Former Presidential adviser Laolu Akande has urged the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to “surrender” the state and acknowledge that he is no longer the governor.
Akande stated this during Sunday’s segment of “My Take” on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, when he discussed the political tension between Wike and his appointed successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has become a political foe.
“One undeniable duty of a leader is to lift people up. All our elected and appointed leaders owe it to us as a people,” Akande said.
“But in Rivers State, what we’re seeing instead is the assault, insult, and absurdities of godfathers fighting their godsons. This is one of the blockages preventing the emergence of a truly people-based political process.”
Akande stated that Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), should refrain from actively interfering in Rivers State politics. He condemned the continuous conflict between the duo describing it as harmful to the state, especially in light of recent violence and destruction of public property.
Akande slammed Wike’s long-running spat with Governor Fubara, claiming it has contributed to the state’s rising violence.
“The immediate past Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike, is locking horns with his self-appointed heir to the extent that both of them have to convince us they’re not part of the violence that has erupted in Rivers lately. We’ve seen public buildings destroyed and lives lost. Who does that? Why is that acceptable?” Akande quizzed.
“Wike, known as ‘Mr. Project,’ is not displaying the calm and collected demeanor expected of a political gladiator. Meanwhile, Fubara is positioning himself as a public brawler” rather than a reconciliatory leader,” he added.
“Wike should surrender practically and accept that he’s no longer the governor of Rivers State. The people should confront him with his own words from the past. He should take his own advice.”
Akande then urged Fubara to face governance and deliver on his promises for the Rivers people.
“Fubara needs to rally the different arms of the state government and bring the people together to enhance service delivery in Rivers. He should make peace with Wike, as the ongoing conflict benefits no one.”
