Coalition Accuses Tinubu of Complicity in Rivers Political Crisis 

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought (CORSLOT) has accused President Bola Tinubu of alleged complicity in the lingering political crisis in Rivers state.

The group alleged that the President is selective in his reaction to the happenings in the state, especially the face-off between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The coalition made the allegation yesterday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, on the state of politics, which they claimed is affecting development in the State.

 Speaking, the convener of the group, Sunnie Chukwumele, accused the Presidency of being in sympathy with Wike against the people of the state, adding that Tinubu is more interested in an individual than about eight million people of Rivers.

He said the President’s appointees from the state were not representing him and what he is known for, considering the current political situation in the state.

Chukwumele said: “The presidency under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is  in sympathy and support of his Minister of the FCT against the people of Rivers State. Mr President is more interested in an individual more than eight million citizens with not less than three million Rivers’ votes.

“Nigeria with the supposed political solution to the problem through the Abuja Peace Accord which though skewed against an elected governor and leader of the state, and even the Rivers State governor’s painful sacrifices for the sake of peace, tranquility and development of our dear Stats, this problem instead of abating is being exacerbated.

 “After a careful analysis of the situation, we accuse the Presidency of selective amnesia and inaction in the happenings in Rivers State with the tacit support to their colleague and Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike to achieve his aim of state capture in order to annex and control Rivers State and her resources.”

 He said: “Our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, your men are misrepresenting you and what we have known you to stand for as a true democrat. These men are beginning to paint you with the colour of a despot.

 “This is a clarion call by the people of Rivers State for you to wake up to the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Rivers people and residents. We should not be seen as a conquerable people. You are the father of the nation; we pray you act as such now.”

 He added: “We are afraid that the body language of the Nigerian Judiciary on the Rivers State crisis, wherein conflicting judicial pronouncements regarding matters emanating from the state, which are stoking and exacerbating the crisis has remained unaddressed by the National Judicial Council.”