Tonye Cole Calls for Peaceful Governance in Rivers State
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Tonye Cole has described the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as contentious from the outset. He noted that the ensuing political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, created serious obstacles for effective governance in the state.
Cole said he believed the governor would have consulted his close allies before settling on the current political direction. “My assumption is that the governor would have gone with his own close allies, discussed with them, and said that this is the best way forward for the next six months or thereabouts of his administration,” he remarked.
Although he admitted he was not part of those internal discussions, Cole maintained that, having chosen to return to office and complete his tenure, Fubara now bears the responsibility to govern without reverting to political battles.
“But having taken the responsibility to come and finish his term, then he has to finish it in the way that allows him to govern. He can’t go back into fighting,” Cole stated.
He traced the controversy to the manner in which Fubara assumed office and the prolonged disagreement with Wike, arguing that the feud has hampered development and disappointed residents who expected a different approach to leadership.
Cole expressed hope that the current situation presents an opportunity for Rivers State to establish a new governance model. He urged citizens to demand a more transparent political process and elect leaders capable of delivering good governance.
“Now we have an opportunity, and I come back to this – we have an opportunity in Rivers State, and I’m praying this time around that it will work,” he added, calling on the populace to set a different standard for electing those who hold power.
