Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has called on elder statespersons in the Niger Delta to mediate the growing conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Cole warned that the escalating tensions between the two political figures pose a serious danger to the state. He stressed that without peaceful negotiation, the situation could end disastrously.
Cole advocated for a political settlement, noting that without intervention, Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), could be locked in an endless political and judicial struggle.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to convene a group of influential individuals to mediate between the two, suggesting key figures such as former First Lady Patience Jonathan, former Rivers State Governor Ada George, Port Harcourt-based preacher David Ibiyeomie, and Stanbic IBTC Bank founder Atedo Peterside.
“There are certain people that Mr. President must empower to speak on his behalf and bring the warring factions together for the sake of the state’s future,” Cole said.
He highlighted the influence of these individuals, noting that they have no personal stake in the conflict but are deeply respected by both sides. Cole emphasized that if mediation fails, it could lead to an all-out political battle, and urged for a resolution that seeks common ground to avoid such an outcome.