Patience Jonathan Urges Peace Amid Rivers State Crisis

Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has appealed to the conflicting factions involved in the Rivers State crisis to prioritize peace and cease hostilities.

The ongoing turmoil in Rivers State, stemming from tensions between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, has continued to attract national attention. The conflict has notably seen clashes between Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, where pro-Wike lawmakers have overridden the governor on significant legislative matters.

Recent events further escalated concerns when an explosive, suspected to be dynamite, detonated near the Presidential Hotel area along the Aba Expressway in Port Harcourt, causing widespread panic. The state government swiftly reported the arrest of the alleged perpetrator responsible for the incident.

Addressing the volatile situation, Patience Jonathan implored all aggrieved parties to embrace peace. She made this plea during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) international colloquium held in Abuja on Thursday.

Under the theme ‘Public Relations, Value Re-orientation, and Economic Transformation,’ the former First Lady emphasized the need for harmony and urged factions to allow the current administration in Rivers State to function effectively without external interference.