Chief Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, and Tein Jack-Rich, a humanitarian and politician, both sons of Rivers, have called for peace in the midst of the current political turmoil in the state.
The two Niger Delta strongmen, who made the call on Friday when Jack-Rich paid Dokubo a courtesy visit at his home in Obuama, Degema Local Government Area (LGA), of Rivers, also called for support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dokubo, who noted with concern the political impasse in the state, said though it was normal to have disagreements, the leaders should not continue on the “path of bearing grudges against each other’’.
He said Rivers people could not also afford to be left behind at the federal level, and so must take advantage of Tinubu’s inclusive government, and give the president all the support he required to succeed.
The Niger Delta warlord, who further dispelled rumours of a rift between him and the president said though he was not happy about certain things, he however, had put all that behind him and would continue to support Tinubu in his quest to restore the dignity of Nigeria.
“I am not a regular politician; I am just a friend of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am not looking for appointment, but those seeking appointment made sacrifices and are looking up to me to ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain.
Dokubo, who recalled that his friendship with Tinubu dated back to the early 90s, said he had complete faith in the president’s capacity, leadership qualities and his passion for equity and justice.
“I will not do anything that will cause the president pain, and so those around me can be rest assured that I am indeed a great supporter of the president,’’ he said.
He further explained that though he also had some disagreements with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, they had managed to resolve their differences and had agreed to work together in the best interest of Rivers.
Dokubo therefore, called on Fubara and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to settle amicably whatever differences they had, and work together to ensure that Rivers people enjoyed the dividends of democracy, both at the federal and state levels.
“And as our brother (Jack-Rich) said, we must always move forward and work for the good of Rivers,’’ he appealed.
Speaking earlier, Jack-Rich lauded Tinubu for his timely intervention in the political crisis in the state.
He said the president’s intervention had doused further tensions in the state, and restored confidence of hope for the people and also investors.
“When it comes to the issue of Rivers, we are stakeholders and our interest is for the peace, economic survival, political and economic inclusion of Rivers.
“Sometimes friends fight, parents and children might have disagreements, and they express such in their own ways; I am appealing to the FCT minister and our governor to work out their differences.
“Crisis will drive away investors, and if there are no private investments, capital investments, there cannot be economic growth and our youths won’t be employed.’’
Jack-Rich therefore, called for calm and understanding from both parties, for the sake of Rivers and the people.
He pledged to join forces with Dokubu to achieve lasting peace between Wike and Fubara for the sustainable development of the state so opportunities could be harnessed by the people at all levels.