King Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, has cautioned against the introduction of ethnic divisions into the ongoing dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nysemo Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
He emphasized that the dispute should be understood as a political disagreement between a mentor and his protege.
King Ateke Tom also called on the seasoned elders and Royal fathers of the state to come together as a collective force to mediate between the warring factions to prevent further escalation of the matter.
The monarch in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 1, called for peace and reconciliation amid a tumultuous relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nysemo Wike.
He warned: ” No one should give any ethnic colouration and dimensions to the issues noting that Nyesom Wike as an Ikwere man was instrumental to the emergence of Gov Fubara as a riverine man against all odds, as such, people should not use this minor dispute to instigate ethnic sentiments for their political gains.”
He also pointed out that there is an urgency to put an end to the ongoing crisis, stating that such turmoil would bring no benefits to the state or its people.
According to him, there is need to sustain the development stride and peace by the previous administration which the current administration was part of and which we hopeful will be improve on.
He added: “People should not turn the current unfortunate event into a political gain because Rivers State recorded peace and progress under ex-governor Nyesom Wike which has been sustained and shown signs greater prospects of progress and peace under Governor Fubara. As a royal father, I advise both sides to maintain restrain and allow wisdom to prevail in these circumstances.
“Fubara is a governor to all and not a section? so it not proper to whip ethnic sentiments over temporary misunderstandings involving two leaders who have had a long history together.
The king Advised the two great sons of the state to consider their long years of relationship and what they accomplished together and still have to do together for the good of Rivers state and seek for better and understanding ways to settle differences.
He noted: “That it is quite unfortunate and disappointing to see what happened just within months of the new government.”
King Ateke Tom expressed his fervent hope for a swift return to normalcy in the government and legislative processes in the state, emphasizing that this would be in the best interests of Rivers’ citizens, residents, and the business community.
He also called on the police command in Rivers state to release the arrested youth who were protesting to foster reconciliatory efforts and peace process
He stated: “I, Ateke Michael Tom, Amanyanabo of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, call upon all the people of Rivers State to set aside any differences, political or otherwise, that threaten the peace and stability of our great state.”
“It is our duty to seek common ground and ensure that the future of Rivers State is one of harmony and progress. Let us engage in dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. The future of our state depends on our unity.”
“My call is a resounding appeal for peace, a call for unity, and an invitation to dialogue. In these trying times, when political tensions have reached a boiling point, we should constrain ourselves and hold the promise of a brighter future for Rivers State.
“The people of Rivers State have been presented with an opportunity to rise above the current challenges and chart a course towards a more stable and harmonious future.”
He further urged all political actors and stakeholders in the state including the Royal fathers and the youth, the custodians of tradition and the architects of the future, to join hands in steering the state away from conflict and towards prosperity.
The monarch stated: “The path to peace and reconciliation is open, and it is up to the residents of Rivers State to take those crucial steps towards a brighter and more unified future.”
