The Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) Worldwide has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a high-powered committee to mediate in the ongoing political crisis between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Livingstone Wechie; Vice-Chairman, Ihunwo Obi-Wali; and Secretary-General, Stanley Nworgu, the group urged the president to appoint eminent leaders and stakeholders to the committee to restore democratic order in the state.
“This is with a view to immediately restoring democratic order in Rivers State in the best interest of Nigeria and for the better legacy of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement read.
Expressing concern over what it described as the dismantling of democratic structures in Rivers, the IPC warned that the situation was tarnishing the state’s image.
“The message of Mr. President has been passed through his intervention, but Rivers people must not suffer a short-lived democracy for any reason. We have paid our dues despite this political imbroglio,” the group stated.
The IPC also voiced disagreement with the suspension of the governor and the state House of Assembly, questioning its constitutional justification.
“We believe that Mr. President is motivated by the aspirations of Nigerians and is committed to resolving rather than escalating the crisis. This unfortunate development was not anticipated, and innocent Rivers residents should not bear the brunt,” the statement added.
The group further lamented the negative impact of the crisis, citing capital flight, uncertainty among citizens, and loss of investor confidence.
“As a people, we are unhappy with the unwarranted political feud between both sides. Ikwerre people are particularly concerned about the false image now associated with our state,” the IPC said.
It called for the restoration of democratic rights in Rivers to ensure governance remains accountable to the people.
“All we want is a government we can call our own,” the statement concluded.
