News Editor
By David Odama
In what may be termed war for freedom in Rivers State, the former President, Goodluck Jonathan is said to be spare heading a political landscape movement targetting at reshaping the political direction of Rivers State.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be leading intense negotiations aimed at securing the reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, before the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
Informed sources close to the former president revealed that Jonathan is leveraging his stature as a respected elder statesman and regional leader in meeting with key political figures in Abuja and the South-South region to actualize the end of the protracted crisis in River State. .
The objective, our correspondent gathered is to resolve the political empass in Rivers State and ensure Fubara’s return to office to prevent what another source called ‘a constitutional and democratic embarrassment.’
The suspended governor, a key 2023 ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was removed under controversial circumstances following an unending quagmire with political heavyweight and former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The power tussle which our correspondent learnt , sharply divided the political structure resulting, in legislative and judicial confusion in Rivers, with both camps claiming legitimacy.
“President Jonathan has been deeply concerned by the instability in Rivers. He believes that restoring Fubara is not just about the state but also about safeguarding democracy in the South-South,. Sources said.
Our source who spoke on account of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, maintained that timing is of essence With Democracy Day approaching on June 12 adding that this has to be done in the spirit of forgiveness which the June 12 stands for or meant to achieve.
“President Tinubu’s administration is currently under pressure to present a united and stable democratic front with a believe that a resolution to the Rivers crisis could mark the beginning of win for the Tinubu presidency, demonstrating a commitment to national unity and a balance in the current political reconciliation”.
” Why the Presidency, is yet to make any official comment, is reportedly weighing the political consequences of either backing Wike’s influence or conceding to pressure from Jonathan and other elder statesmen.
“Several governors from the South-South and South-East are also believed to be rallying behind the move, viewing Fubara’s removal as a dangerous precedent”.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations, youth groups, and some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Fubara are said to be intensifting efforts for the reinstatement of the suspended governor.
Unconfirmed rumours is having it however that with the political tension, all eyes are now on Aso Rock, for the final decision of the president whether to bow to pressure to end the crisis in Rivers.
