As the political crisis in Rivers State deepens, Labour Party’s Peter Obi calls for an end to the power tussle, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal interests.
Obi’s Message: Democracy Must Serve the People
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has added his voice to the ongoing political dispute in Rivers State, describing it as a stark example of how democracy is being misused to serve the interests of a few rather than the masses. In a heartfelt tweet on Tuesday, Obi expressed his concern over the crisis, emphasizing that the real victims are the ordinary citizens of Rivers State.
“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,” Obi wrote. “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.”
The Crisis: A Power Tussle with No Winners
The political feud between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has dominated headlines in recent months. The conflict, which has spilled over into the state’s House of Assembly and led to impeachment threats, has created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty.
Obi noted that such crises are symptomatic of a broader issue in Nigeria’s democracy, where elections are often flawed and governance fails to reflect the true aspirations of the people. “A significant percentage of Nigeria’s elections are deeply flawed and manipulated to serve the interests of a select few rather than reflecting the true will of the people,” he stated.
The Real Losers: The People of Rivers State
Obi stressed that the ongoing power struggle has dire consequences for the people of Rivers State, who are already grappling with poverty, inadequate healthcare, and poor educational infrastructure. “The real losers are the people—their welfare and the future of the society their children will live in,” he said.
He called on the warring leaders to reflect on their responsibilities and prioritize the well-being of the citizens they were elected to serve. “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.”
A Call for Intervention
Obi also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and the federal government to step in and restore normalcy in Rivers State. “I 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,” he said.
His message underscores the need for leaders at all levels to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or political gains. “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 added.
Obi’s Vision: A New Nigeria is Possible
Despite the challenges, Obi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for good governance and the well-being of all Nigerians. “My commitment remains to continuously remember them in earnest prayers and to advocate for their well-being. A new Nigeria is POssible!” he declared.
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His statement serves as a reminder that democracy, when practiced correctly, has the power to transform lives and uplift societies. However, this can only happen when leaders prioritize the needs of the people over personal ambitions.
A Plea for Unity and Progress
The crisis in Rivers State is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. As Peter Obi rightly pointed out, the real losers in such conflicts are the ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of political instability.
It is time for leaders to rise above their differences and work together for the common good. Only then can Nigeria truly achieve the progress and development it so desperately needs.
