The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has appealed to the warring factions in the Rivers State to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.
Chief Iwuanyanwu who made the appeal while answering questions from journalists in Owerri said the misunderstanding between the group loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, members of Rivers House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be resolved amicably.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leader noted that such resolution is in the interest of peace, development of the people of Rivers State, the entire Eastern region and Nigeria in general.
He stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo was observing the situation with great concern and is very uncomfortable with the development.
Chief Iwuanyanwu noted that both former Governor Wike and his successor are their sons and wondered why they could not come to a roundtable to resolve their differences so that Rivers State can progress.
He emphasised that only the FCT Minister and Governor Fubara who can resolve the crisis situation, saying the earlier they do so, the better.
While stating the economic importance of Port Harcourt as a commercial heartbeat of Eastern Nigeria, the elder statesman added that any problem that affects it or Rivers State will have ripple effects in the entire region.
He recalled that soon after the civil war when there was a similar problem, the leaders of Eastern Nigeria met at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt to form the Council of Eastern Nigeria Business Leaders.
According to him, he was elected the president of the association which had prominent leaders of Eastern Nigeria from Rivers State such as Alagbo Graham Douglas, Chief Lulu Briggs, Chief Ombo Isokariri, Chief Emmanuel Anyanwu, Chief Emmanuel Agumah who was recently given one of the heroic award in Enugu last year by Ohanaeze Ndigbo as one of its founding fathers; Chief Melford Okilo, Eze Wolluchem and Professor Leton as members.
Iwuanyanwu further recalled that the association collectively played major roles in fighting for the neglect of Niger Delta as well as immensely contributed to the increase of revenue allotted to the region.
He said that since the principal actors in the crisis are “our sons”, everything possible must be done to bring a lasting solution to the problems, insisting that “crisis situation pays no one any good”.
The Ohanaeze leader further appealed that everything must be done to ensure smooth and good governance in Rivers State under the present administration.
He hinted that the organisation intends to invite the two principal actors to a meeting with a view to getting the matter resolved without any party losing face.
