3 hours ago
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Irked by the prolonged political crisis in River State and its detrimental effects on development and service delivery, the Mayor of Urhoboland, also an ex-militant leader, Israel Eshanekpe aka Akpodoro, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and resolve the conflict of interests in the state.
Mayor Akpodoro, speaking to reporters in Ughelli, Delta State upon his return from a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, emphasized that only President Tinubu possesses the ability to bring an end to the crisis that has proven difficult to resolve.
He acknowledged the President’s previous intervention but stressed the need for further efforts to permanently reconcile the feuding parties for the betterment of governance, development, and the state’s inhabitants.
Avoiding a judgmental stance, Mayor Akpodoro called upon stakeholders, particularly those instigating conflict from both sides, to cease hostilities.
He highlighted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and former Rivers State governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, along with the current governor, were once close associates until external influences caused a rift between them.
Mayor Akpodoro appealed to both leaders to put an end to the crisis, urging the President to intervene swiftly to quell the escalating tensions.
He emphasized that the President holds the trust of the two main actors in the dispute and should not delay in mitigating the situation, as certain political opportunists and conflict instigators have been exploiting the discord for personal gain.
Acknowledging the recent judicial ruling that has created an opportunity for reconciliation, Mayor Akpodoro stressed the urgency for the President to step in.
He implored both parties to prioritize peace for the state’s well-being, expressing the weariness of the people of Rivers State and Nigerians in general with the negative news emanating from the region.
Regarding the threat of impeachment by the Martins Amahewule-led House of Assembly, Mayor Akpodoro cautioned that such actions would hinder progress and harm the populace.
He urged the governor to remain focused on delivering quality services to the citizens, emphasizing that the people seek the dividends of democracy, not political turmoil.
Mayor Akpodoro, therefore, called on non-state actors issuing threats to desist and allow peace to prevail, emphasizing that true development can only flourish in a peaceful environment.
English (US) ·