The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised concerns over the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State, urging President Bola Tinubu to approach the situation with caution to avoid further instability in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group warned that mismanaging the crisis could have far-reaching consequences for national peace and stability.
The organization particularly called on President Tinubu to be wary of the alleged political maneuvering of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stressing that his actions could escalate tensions in the state.
“The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) wishes to express its deep concern regarding the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the implications of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent actions and decisions in this context,” the statement read.
“We find it imperative to caution the President to tread carefully in his dealings with the situation, particularly in light of the cynical interests being advanced by Nyesom Wike, the former governor of the state.”
The group accused Wike of prioritizing personal interests over the stability of the region and warned that his actions could drag the nation into a deeper crisis.
“Wike has demonstrated a troubling propensity for opportunism, leveraging his political influence to create chaos and discord within the region,” the statement added. “His actions, driven by self-interest rather than the welfare of the people, have the potential to drag the entire country and its judicial establishment into a state of international derision. We implore President Tinubu not to allow Wike’s deranged opportunism to overshadow his sense of reasoning and judgment.”
The CNG further warned that missteps in handling the crisis could lead to widespread unrest, particularly in the Niger Delta, where tensions are already high. The group called for dialogue and a careful approach to governance that prioritizes national unity over individual ambitions.
“It is alarming to note that just 48 hours after Wike’s provocations led to President Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, the entire Niger Delta has erupted into violence,” the group stated, pointing to reports of attacks on oil installations as a sign of escalating tensions.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to learn from history, citing Wike’s controversial role in past political crises and advising against aligning too closely with the former Rivers State governor.
“We call on Mr. President to reflect on the historical context surrounding Wike, who, along with others, played a significant part in the tumultuous tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, contributing to the challenges that ultimately led to Jonathan’s political fall,” the statement continued.
The CNG also warned that the ongoing crisis has drawn widespread criticism and could negatively impact Tinubu’s administration if not handled with wisdom and foresight.
“We urge President Tinubu to recognize that Wike’s maneuvers are not representative of the will of the people of Rivers State or the Niger Delta. Instead, they reflect the dangerous machinations of an individual more interested in personal gain than in the collective good,” the group added.
The statement concluded with a call for unity among Nigerians, urging civil society organizations, political leaders, and the public to support peaceful solutions over conflict.
“The current crisis should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement over violence and division,” the group said. “We reiterate our call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution and wisdom in navigating the complex political landscape of Rivers State. It is essential to resist the allure of Wike’s opportunistic politics that threatens to undermine the very fabric of our democracy.”
The CNG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting any initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes national unity and democratic governance.
