Key points

• Obi urges Rivers leaders to embrace peace after crisis.

• He warns that mistakes must become lessons for leaders.

• He says citizens suffered most during the political fight.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on political leaders in Rivers State to embrace peace and move past the recent crisis.

Obi said the six-month emergency rule declared earlier this year was a mistake that damaged Nigeria’s democracy.

He urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara, state lawmakers, and other leaders to learn from what happened and avoid repeating it.

President Bola Tinubu had imposed the emergency rule on March 18, suspending Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.

He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

Tinubu later lifted the order, saying there were signs of cooperation among leaders.

Obi explains why peace is important

In a message on his X handle, Obi said the suspension of democratic leaders in Rivers was unconstitutional and should never have happened.

He stressed that peace and dialogue are the only ways leaders can solve problems without damaging governance.

“I hope lessons were learned by all the gladiators in the Rivers impasse,” Obi said. “A true leader admits mistakes, learns from them, and corrects them.”

He praised the people of Rivers for staying strong during the period of uncertainty.

Political rivalry behind the crisis

The conflict in Rivers State was fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The feud led to divisions in the state assembly, defections, and accusations of corruption. Obi said the political fight only created more problems for citizens and should not be repeated.

He appealed to all sides to put the crisis behind them and focus on governance. “Be assured that a new Nigeria is possible and inevitable,” Obi added.