Peter Obi weighs in on Rivers crisis, reveals real losers

• He admonished the major actors in the raging power tussle in the oil-rich enclave to sheath their swords and think about its hapless people

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has shared his perspective and position on the protracted political crisis in Rivers State.

He lamented that Nigerian democracy is still beset by tyrannical actions and undemocratic practices despite 60 years of independence and nearly 30 years of the country’s unbroken civil rule.

He stated that the situation is antithetical to democratic ideals, adding that the real losers in the crisis are the people of the State.

He admonished the major actors in the perennial power tussle in the oil-rich enclave to sheath their swords and think about its hapless people.

In a lengthy tweet on Tuesday regarding the crisis, Obi noted elections in Nigeria are mere charade designed not to reflect the will of the people but serve the interests of a select few.

He said: “Governance at most levels does not reflect the genuine values and aspirations of the people because the welfare of the citizens is often neglected in practice,” he said.

“Looking at the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, we see yet another glaring example of how our democracy and governance are not serving their purpose—the welfare of the people of Rivers State. The disagreement is not about improving the measurable indices of development: education, healthcare, or lifting people out of poverty, but rather for reasons that do not in any way benefit the people of Rivers State and Nigeria in general.

“I fully understand the impact of what is happening in Rivers State. The real losers are the people—their welfare and the future of the society their children will live in.

“My respectful appeal to all those involved is to reconsider their positions and reflect on the grace God has bestowed upon them as leaders. They must think about the suffering people of Rivers State and work towards a better future for their children.

“My commitment remains to continuously remember them in earnest prayers and to advocate for their well-being. I also appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and the Federal Government, in the spirit of true democracy and good governance, to use their offices to restore normalcy and bring an end to this crisis. A new Nigeria is POssible!”