Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has expressed concern that the political dispute between Governor Sim Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has negatively affected the state’s development by about two decades.
Cole made the statement on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he called for unity among political actors to rebuild Rivers State.
He said he has been engaging with stakeholders across party lines, including aggrieved groups, in an effort to promote reconciliation and create a new direction for the state.
According to Cole, the prolonged political conflict has hindered progress in Rivers State and made it necessary for leaders to put aside party differences and work together for the benefit of residents.
He stressed that the future of the state should not be limited by political affiliations, noting that individuals from different parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APC, African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), should collaborate to develop a workable plan for progress.
Cole argued that division and political battles have failed to deliver meaningful growth, urging stakeholders to unite and focus on building a stronger Rivers State.
He warned that continued political disagreements could lead to further setbacks, insisting that bringing together the best talents from different camps remains the path toward achieving sustainable development.
BACKSTORY:
The political crisis between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders in the state.
The dispute, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, created divisions within the state’s political structure and led to tensions between supporters of both leaders.
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, recently weighed in on the situation, describing the conflict as a major setback for the state’s development.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Cole said the prolonged disagreement between Wike and Fubara had affected progress in Rivers State, claiming it had set the state back by about 20 years.
He called on political leaders across party lines to put aside differences and work together to rebuild the state. Cole said Rivers needs collaboration among stakeholders from different political backgrounds to create a new development plan and move forward.
The Wike-Fubara rift has remained one of the major political issues in Rivers State, with calls from various quarters for reconciliation and a renewed focus on governance and development.
