Senator Ayo Arise Backs President’s Intervention in Rivers Politics

Senator Ayo Arise has publicly supported President Bola Tinubu’s decision to intervene in the political turmoil in Rivers State. He asserted that the president was compelled to act to prevent the state from descending into chaos. In a recent interview, Arise emphasized the urgent need for presidential involvement, stating that failure to address the instability would have been a dereliction of duty.

The situation in Rivers has escalated to a point where, according to Arise, it poses a threat to the safety of its residents. He remarked, “If the place becomes ungovernable, and people live in fear, the president would have shirked his responsibility if he did not take the action that he took.” He used the analogy of two elephants fighting to illustrate that it would be irresponsible for the president to remain passive amid such conflict.

Arise highlighted the significant political influence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, asserting that Wike remains a crucial player in Rivers politics despite ongoing controversies. He noted that “there is no way you can push aside somebody like Wike when it comes to politics in Rivers State.” The senator pointed out that Wike has crafted a robust political network, which any aspiring leader must acknowledge.

With regard to the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Arise stressed the necessity of recognizing Wike’s contributions to the political landscape if Fubara aims to maintain control over the state. He warned, “If you don’t give him that respect, you may find yourself on the wrong side of politics.”

Arise characterized the president’s actions as a stabilizing force, reinforcing the idea that the intervention was both appropriate and necessary. He argued that the political crisis in Rivers has led to significant divisions but expressed hope for eventual reconciliation. “Politics is about settlement; people must settle and find a way to continue,” he explained.

The senator elaborated on the broader implications of instability in Rivers, cautioning that unrest in any state could have far-reaching effects on national governance. He highlighted that instability in such a strategically important state could ripple through the country, adversely affecting the economy, security, and investor confidence.

“This is not just about Rivers State,” Arise stated. “When a state as strategic as Rivers becomes unstable, the ripple effects spread across the country. The president has the responsibility to safeguard the stability of the entire nation, and that is why his intervention is justified.”

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the need for dialogue and cooperation among key players remains critical for the stability and progress of Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole.