Rivers: Ijaw nation not at war with Tinubu, FG

•Visits Fubara in Port Harcourt

Former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has said the Ijaw nation is not at war with President Bola Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government over the political crisis in Rivers State.

He made the disclosure in a statement he issued after he visited the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, at the latter’s residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.

According to him, “The Ijaw Nation is not at war with the President or the APC-led Federal Government. On the contrary, the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation have always stood for a restructured and truly Federal Nigeria, where power is properly devolved, accelerated infrastructure and human capital development, environmental justice and fairness for all, and an inclusive Nigeria.

“On all these issues, we are encouraged to see the President as a partner from his antecedence and not a foe irrespective of party differences as some may portray.”

Dickson enjoined all stakeholders to place the overall well being of Rivers State, its people, the Niger Delta region and the entire country in their decisions, utterances and actions.

He called on Tinubu to prevail on stakeholders, especially the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended, governor, Fubara, to find a common ground for tolerance and accommodation for a quick resolution.

“As I have always said, there are no perfect fathers and sons. We must learn to tolerate and manage one another in spite of our imperfections and always remember the unique relationship they have built over the years, which has led to the emergence of the governor. It is always the divine prerogative of fathers to tolerate and forebear for the overall interest of all.

“We are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule. I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta at the State and National level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”

He also urged the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd), to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis. He described him as a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region.

He urged the Ijaw people and youths across the Niger Delta to continue to maintain peace.

Dickson said himself and Fubara discussed the extreme political developments in the state in the last couple of weeks.