By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has warned against the unfolding political chaos in Rivers State, saying it would push development to the background.
The former first lady spoke on Thursday at a colloquium organised to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
While urging the warring parties in Rivers State to sheath sword, she warned that holding on to power when one’s tenure has expired was an invitation to anarchy.
Former Governor of Rivers State who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been in a long drawn battle with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara over control of the political structure of the state.
Patience Jonathan asked the warring parties to emulate her husband who relinquished power after losing the 2015 election.
She said: “Let me at this point plead that the election has come and gone, and now it is time for governance.
“As a peace advocate, I would like to call on the warring parties in Rivers state because it is my state and it is where I am quite interested.
“So, whatever happens there concerns me, knowing fully well that no development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos.
“As a political officeholder, remember that power is transient. It will end someday. Therefore, holding on to power after the expiration of your tenure is an invitation to violence and anarchy.”
Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan drops discreet message for Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike. Hope he listens to her and leaves Gov Sim to face Governance pic.twitter.com/XzN3qjZlHe
— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) June 30, 2024
