Rivers crisis: Wike commits to peace, lauds Tinubu’s intervention

…As Fubara promises to fulfil Wike’s wish

By Omeiza Ajayi, Daniel Abia & Davies Iheamnachor

ABUJA— Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the persistent political crisis in Rivers State was nearing a final resolution following a decisive fresh intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

This came as Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State promised to fulfil the wish of his political boss, Wike, stating that the road conceived by Wike would be completed in record time.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, in Abuja, after inspecting several ongoing projects in the territory, the minister underscored the president’s role as a unifying figure whose leadership was essential in addressing the friction between the state’s executive and legislative arms.

He said: “I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue, and that this will be the last time the Rivers people will need to hear this kind of discord.”

Wike emphasised the authority of the president’s counsel, noting: “The President is the father of the nation and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do the needful to ensure peace and progress.”

Reflecting on the specifics of the truce and the expectations for both the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara, the minister was clear about the path forward.

He said: “The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure this peace is sustainable.”

Wike maintained that the commitment to stability was now the priority, stating: “The most important thing is for Rivers State to move forward and we are grateful to Mr President for his tireless commitment to ensuring that we reach this understanding.”

Fubara promises to fulfill Wike’s wish

Meanwhile, Fubara, yesterday assured that the over 50km Port Harcourt Ring Road project conceived by Wike would be completed and delivered by October this year.

Fubara gave the assurance after inspecting the road project, which cuts across at least five local government areas of the state and is designed to ease traffic congestion within Port Harcourt metropolis and adjoining communities.

He described the Ring Road as a strategic infrastructure project, noting that it was conceived by his predecessor, Wike and remains central to the state’s long-term urban and economic development plan.

Fubara recalled that his predecessor had desired that completing the Port Harcourt Ring Road would earn him the appreciation and gratitude of Rivers people, adding that he was determined to fulfill that vision for the benefit of present and future generations.

He said: “This project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the minister. He had a very big vision. He believed that if I achieve this project at record time, people will be happy with me.

“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and my struggle to ensure that that wish comes through. So, you can understand the importance of this project to us and to everyone who means well to our dear states.”

Fubara said the construction company handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the delivery timeline, provided that funding remains steady.

The governor assured that despite prevailing challenges in the state, his administration would continue to make funds available to ensure uninterrupted progress on the project, in line with his commitment to the people of Rivers State.

Rcall that Port Harcourt Ring Road project was flagged off for construction at the beginning of the Fubara administration, with a projected completion timeline of 36 months.

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