Tonye Cole Calls for Fairness in Rivers Crisis, Urges Tinubu to Suspend All Political Actors

The 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has urged President Bola Tinubu to act as a neutral leader in handling the state’s escalating political crisis. Cole, who spoke on Channels Television, emphasized the need for fairness and balance, arguing that all key political actors—including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike—should face suspension for true justice to prevail.

Mr Fubara Whereabouts Unknown, Military Take Over Govt House

Tonye Cole Advocates for a Political Solution

Cole acknowledged that Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was a tough administrative move but stressed that it was not a complete solution to the crisis. According to him, “The President has to step back and really be the Father of the Nation at this point in time. He has taken a position which he says is for the good of the people, but then the political actors on both sides have not been acting in the good of the people.”

His comments come amid heightened tensions following Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months (BREAKING: Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State; Suspends Governor Fubara, Deputy, Assembly Lawmakers | Sahara Reporters). This drastic measure was reportedly in response to violent attacks on oil facilities in the state, allegedly carried out by militants protesting Fubara’s impeachment proceedings (State of Emergency in Rivers: Tinubu blames Fubara, silent on Wike’s role).

Cole argued that the crisis would not be fully resolved unless political decisions were taken to address the root cause of the tensions. He warned, “The decision politically has not yet been taken in the way that is going to resolve this crisis and until that is done, I’m afraid that this war continues.”

APC Chieftain Calls for Action Against Wike

A key point in Cole’s argument was his insistence that Wike, who has been a dominant figure in Rivers politics and a major influence in the crisis, should also be held accountable. Critics of Tinubu’s decision have pointed out that while Fubara was suspended, Wike, his political rival, has remained untouched despite his role in the crisis (Rivers Crisis: Adhere To Rule Of Law, Tinubu Tells Fubara, Others – New Telegraph).

This sentiment has also been echoed by various political stakeholders, including the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who have accused Wike of fueling the conflict by influencing lawmakers loyal to him (State of Emergency in Rivers: Tinubu blames Fubara, silent on Wike’s role).

What Happens Next?

As military presence remains strong in Rivers State following the emergency declaration, the fate of Fubara and the state’s political leadership hangs in the balance. Calls for fairness and broader political dialogue are growing, with observers waiting to see whether Tinubu will extend his disciplinary actions to other political figures, including Wike.

The situation remains fluid, with many expecting further developments in the coming days.