Nigeria Ex-Governor Reacts to Escalating Political Crisis in Rivers, Reveals Losers

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for an end to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that the real victims are the people.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Obi urged all parties involved, including the federal government, to prioritize the welfare of Rivers residents rather than allow the situation to worsen.

He described the crisis as a clear example of how democracy in Nigeria is failing to serve its purpose, as governance continues to benefit only a few while the general population suffers.

Obi expressed concern that despite 60 years of independence and nearly 30 years of continuous democracy, Nigeria still struggles with political systems that do not genuinely represent the people.

"It is unfortunate that, 60 years after independence and nearly 30 years of our celebrated unbroken civil rule, our democracy is still marred by undemocratic practices and values.

"A significant percentage of our elections are deeply flawed-manipulated to serve the interests of a select few rather than reflecting the true will of the people.

"Governance at most levels does not reflect the genuine values and aspirations of the people because the welfare of the citizens is often neglected in practice," he wrote.

Commenting directly on the political turmoil in Rivers, Obi lamented that the ongoing crisis is not about improving development, education, healthcare, or reducing poverty, but rather about personal political interests.

"Looking at the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, we see yet another glaring example of how our democracy and governance are not serving their purpose-the welfare of the people of Rivers State. The disagreement is not about improving the measurable indices of development: education, healthcare, or lifting people out of poverty but rather for reasons that do not in any way benefit the people of Rivers State and Nigeria in general.

"I fully understand the impact of what is happening in Rivers State. The real losers are the people-their welfare and the future of the society their children will live in.

"My respectful appeal to all those involved is to reconsider their positions and reflect on the grace God has bestowed upon them as leaders. They must think about the suffering people of Rivers State and work towards a better future for their children.

"My commitment remains to continuously remember them in earnest prayers and to advocate for their well-being. I also appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and the Federal Government, in the spirit of true democracy and good governance, to use their offices to restore normalcy and bring an end to this crisis.

"A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO," he wrote.

Meanwhile, the crisis in Rivers State deepened on Monday as the House of Assembly moved to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The assembly, which the Supreme Court recently gave legitimacy to, issued a notice of gross misconduct against the two executives.

Governor Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have been locked in a political battle over control of the state's political structure.