In a recent development, former Rivers State Governor Rufus Ada George has publicly accused the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of being the mastermind behind the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. This includes the controversial imposition of a state of emergency and the appointment of sole administrators across all 23 local government areas.
Ada George, who served as governor from 1992 to 1993 and now chairs the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, made these allegations during a media briefing addressing the state's escalating political situation. He asserted that Wike's actions are aimed at destabilizing the state after unsuccessful attempts to impose his political agenda on its leadership.
"The FCT Minister is the architect of all these things," Ada George stated. "He could set ablaze states where the governors did not share his views. And that is exactly what I think he is trying to do in Rivers State. Enough is enough. We will not allow him to set Rivers State ablaze anymore."
He further revealed that Wike was present in Rivers State shortly before the controversial appointments were announced. "He was reported to have been here on the 7th, Monday evening, traversing the whole place, visiting the military administrator. Then following that, this announcement came through," Ada George noted.
The former governor condemned the appointment of sole administrators as unconstitutional and a direct assault on democratic governance. "The appointment of sole administrators is unconstitutional," he emphasized. "There are laid down legal processes for constituting local government leadership. This action undermines those principles."
Despite the rising tensions, Ada George underscored the forum's commitment to seeking peaceful solutions. However, he cautioned that the people of Rivers State would not remain passive in the face of continued provocation. "We cannot go physical… but we will resist in any form that will attempt to disrupt or disorganize this state," he warned.
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum had previously communicated in writing to both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike at the onset of the crisis but received no response. "We did communicate in writing to both the warring parties… but unfortunately, we didn’t have the courtesy of receiving a reply from any of them," Ada George disclosed.
The forum remains steadfast in its commitment to lawful resolution, with Ada George affirming, "We will go to court where necessary. We have cases in court at the moment, and we will continue."