Rivers State Turmoil: Tonye Cole Urges President Tinubu To Step Up

APC’s Tonye Cole Calls for Presidential Leadership Amid Rivers Crisis

In a recent appearance on Channels Television, Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for Rivers State, made a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu. Cole urged the president to rise above partisan politics and demonstrate the kind of leadership that embodies fairness and balance, especially as the state grapples with a mounting political crisis. The plea comes amidst rising tensions in Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency.

For those unfamiliar, the situation in Rivers State has become a focal point of national attention. With claims and counterclaims flying between political factions, the environment is tense. Cole, representing the APC, insists that the president’s role in resolving the crisis goes beyond administrative measures. It demands a level of impartiality and statesmanship that transcends party lines.

“This War Continues”: A Stark Warning from Cole

Cole was direct in his warning: “this war continues” unless decisive action is taken against all political actors involved, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. His message is clear: the president’s decisions must address the root causes of the conflict, not merely its symptoms. Cole emphasized that behind-the-scenes political maneuvering continues, and it’s crucial for the president to recognize this reality.

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In his own words, Cole stated, “The political work behind the scenes still has to happen. 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 on the good of the people.”

This statement reflects a deeper concern about the current state of governance in Rivers. Cole believes that unless all parties involved are held accountable, the cycle of conflict will persist, undermining the progress and stability the region desperately needs.

Tinubu’s Tough Decisions: A Double-Edged Sword

Cole acknowledges that President Tinubu has taken bold steps by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers. However, he argues that these administrative measures alone are insufficient to quell the unrest. While Tinubu’s actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing the crisis, Cole insists that a political resolution is equally essential.

He elaborated, “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.” This sentiment underscores the urgency of the situation. Cole believes that a balanced approach—one that combines administrative actions with political solutions—will be necessary to restore peace and stability to the state.

As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are on President Tinubu. The nation waits to see whether he will heed Cole’s call and act as the unifying figure Nigeria so desperately needs. For Rivers State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome of this moment could shape the political landscape of the region for years to come.