PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, has urged elder statespersons in the Niger Delta to mediate the escalating rift between current Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The former political allies have been locked in a growing feud that Cole warns could destabilize the state without timely intervention.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Cole described the situation as “dangerous” and called for peaceful negotiation to prevent further deterioration.
“What is happening right now in the state is dangerous, and without peaceful negotiation, it can’t end well,” Cole said.
Mediation Call to Resolve Political Conflict
Cole called on President Bola Tinubu to convene a group of influential individuals to mediate between Fubara, the current governor, and Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Cole, if the rift is not resolved through a political settlement, it could lead to an unending cycle of political and judicial warfare in the state.
“There are certain people that Mr President has to empower to speak on his behalf and call the warring factors because they have a larger interest in the state,” Cole said.
Suggested Mediators
Cole proposed that the mediation panel include former First Lady Patience Jonathan, former Rivers State Governor Ada George, prominent Port Harcourt-based preacher Pastor David Ibiyeomie, and Stanbic IBTC Bank founder Atedo Peterside.
He emphasised that these figures could act as neutral mediators with no direct personal gain in the outcome.
“I will first call an old politician who has been governor of the state, Ada George. I will also call somebody who is considered to be a very strong spiritual leader in the state, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, whom I know that they both respect,” Cole said.
He also suggested Patience Jonathan due to her vested interest in Rivers State, and Atedo Peterside, whom he described as “straight and forthright.”
A ‘Fight to the Finish’
Cole’s call for mediation reflects growing concern about the political tension in Rivers State, which has persisted despite President Tinubu’s previous intervention. He warned that if the dispute between Fubara and Wike is not resolved, the state could face a “fight to the finish.”
The deepening divide between the two politicians—once close allies—threatens to drag the state into prolonged political instability, making the need for neutral, external mediation even more pressing.
As the political environment remains tense, Cole emphasized that the proposed mediators could help find “a middle ground” to end the struggle for control over Rivers State and secure a peaceful future for the region.
