FORMER President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has called for a truce in the Rivers State political crisis, asking Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to work together for peace in the oil-rich state.
Jonathan, who made the call on Monday, May 20 during the flag-off of the Trans-Kalabari Road in Obio/Akpor Local Council, as part of ongoing activities to mark Fubara’s first year in office, described the political tension in the state as worrisome, adding: “Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they work together for the collective interest of the citizens of the state, and that is critical.
“In the case of Rivers, Minister Wike and Fubara must work together to develop the land and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.
“So, I urge political actors, you must work together if you love the Rivers people. I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians that have been calling for truce and ceasefire to also re-emphasise that there is a need for a ceasefire. Let us do things that would rather project the state.
“We are calling on them (Wike and Fubara) to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap; it takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest.”
Jonathan commended Fubara for his commitment to infrastructure development, urging him to remain focused on delivering democracy dividends to Rivers people, and the people to support the governor’s efforts towards providing a better quality of life for them.
“I urge Rivers people to encourage Fubara, who has within this short period, shown commitment to moving the state to a higher level.
“The tension will not help us, Rivers is very critical to the nation, it is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers is distabilised, it affects the entire region.
“Leaders should understand that nobody takes 100 per cent; you must learn the principle of ‘give and take.’ So, let us do things that will benefit our state and the nation at large
Earlier, Fubara said his administration had paid 30 per cent mobilisation to the contractor, Lubrik Construction Company Limited, explaining that the cost of the project was huge because of the terrains it would traverse.
The governor said his administration would not borrow to fund the project, adding: “We shall fund the project from our savings. I have used part of our savings to pay up the 30 per cent of the contract worth, so the contractors have no reason to delay; they should start immediately.”
Fubara charged communities affected by the project to cooperate with the contractors to ensure smooth implementation.
The ceremony was witnessed by traditional rulers, elder statesmen, politicians and other stakeholders in the state.
The first phase of the road, awarded at the cost of N225billion, is expected to boost the local economy of the state.
The road, which has several bridges, would link Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru and Degema Local Councils to Port Harcourt city
