Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, has proposed a solution to the ongoing political crisis in the state.
According to Cole, peace can only be achieved if four key personalities – Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi, Nyesom Wike, and Siminalayi Fubara – come together to resolve their differences.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Cole emphasized that these individuals must prioritize the state’s interest over personal agendas. “There are four of them who must sit down at a table and decide that Rivers State is more important than personal interest and agenda. Till then, we are not going to have peace,” he stated.
“His Excellency ex-Governor Peter Odili, who is the father of this political dynamics, must sit at the table. His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi must sit at that table. Then Nyesom Wike, and Siminalayi Fubara must sit at that table.”
Cole suggested that President Bola Tinubu could facilitate this meeting, ensuring a commitment to moving forward peacefully. He warned that without this resolution, the state would likely witness an all-out war as Fubara’s tenure comes to an end.
“The President can superintend this if he really wants peace in Rivers State. And a decision must be made that this is how are going to be moving forward.
“Until that is done, as soon as Fubara’s time is about to end, you will see an all out war.”
This proposal comes amid escalating tensions in Rivers State, with recent local government elections marred by violence and controversy. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been accused of employing anti-democratic tactics, including threats to non-indigenes, leading to voter apathy.