Former Niger Delta warlord from Bayelsa State, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, popularly known as ‘General’ Boyloaf, has called on Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to reconcile with the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Boyloaf, one of the foremost leaders and co-founder of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and instrumental in the successful establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), pointed out that the Rivers and Niger Delta people know that Wike is critical to the region.
He said that despite the perceived support being shown to Fubura by some supporters within and outside Rivers State, the governor should pursue peace and reconciliation with his predecessor for sustainable peace and development of the oil-rich state.
He warned: “Those fomenting the crisis will be nowhere near Fubara if something happens to his mandate as Governor of Rivers. It is too early for the happenings there. One way or another, they should find peace by truly reconciling their differences.
“By now, Governor Fubura should be ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers State. God forbid if something happens to his mandate, the same sycophants will be the first to abuse and abandon him. He should engage other peace-loving leaders to intervene and ensure true reconciliation is achieved as soon as possible.”
“Wike stood strong in the battle to ensure the Southern Presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when other Niger Delta elders and leaders were fighting for another Fulani man to succeed a Fulani man as President. It is not that Wike does not like the Fulani man, but he fought for true federalism, justice, equity, and peace.”
He advised the Rivers governor to emulate his Bayelsa counterpart on how to maintain political relationships.
His words: “I want to also urge Governor Fubura to take a cue from the relationship between former Governor Seriake Dickson and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
“The peaceful and harmonious relationship between Dickson and Diri is due to patience, understanding and loyalty. When Dickson supported Diri to become governor with the assistance of the Almighty God, despite all temptations, Diri refused to be drawn into battle with his predecessor.
“It shows Diri is grateful and loyal, which led Senator Dickson to work openly and vigorously for Diri’s second-term bid. It showed that they worked for the peace of Bayelsa State and they refused to allow sycophants to divide them.”
Boyloaf cautioned those self-acclaimed pro-Fubura supporters threatening to make Rivers ungovernable if he is removed from office, averring that they were only out for their interest and enrichment.
He added: “Gov. Fubura must not be deceived. If the fight continues and he is removed, there would not be any more network to his phone, because those agitating and making empty threats will abandon him and go to the next person.
“Late former Governor Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha (DSP) was removed from office, and the Heavens did not fall, but everybody moved on to support former Governor Goodluck Jonathan as governor before he eventually became president.”
