The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stated that no level of blackmail can ensure peace in Rivers State.
To ensure peace prevails in the state, Wike emphasized that all key stakeholders, such as members of the National Assembly, must engage with genuine intentions.
At a Thanksgiving service on Friday in Port Harcourt, marking the 70th birthday of former federal lawmaker Ken Chikere, Wike, expressed these sentiments.
He said, “One month after Mr President, in his wisdom, declared a state of emergency to save Rivers State from anarchy, I challenge any Rivers so-called elder, even the traditional rulers, to state the attempt they made to bring total peace in the State.
“No amount of going to television to abuse anybody will bring peace, because we have always said that those who thrive in crisis are always happy when there is a crisis. When there is no crisis, there is no food on the table. Those people cannot be real elders.
“There is no need to embarrass our women to be naked outside. No amount of such can bring peace, no amount of such blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is for you to humble yourself. and say for the interest of the state, I want everybody to work together.
“If you are sincere, everybody would have known. Some people have tried to approach me and I received them. I did not pursue them, but seeing me alone does not bring peace. There are critical stakeholders that must be involved in the process of this peacemaking. Nobody will be excluded. If any group is excluded, it means there is no total peace.
“Members of the State Assembly and the National Assembly must be involved. The two political parties must be involved, other leaders must be involved. In that way, we will now know that they are sincere in talking about peace.”
