Elder statesman and former military chief, Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd), has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, to place the peace and stability of Rivers State above personal interests amid the lingering political crisis in the state.
Porbeni made the appeal in an open letter addressed to both leaders, warning that the escalating tension between them poses serious risks to governance, development, and investor confidence in Rivers State.
Describing his intervention as non-partisan and driven by conscience, Porbeni said silence at this critical moment would amount to betrayal, stressing that unchecked political conflict has grave consequences for the people.
Drawing from his long years of service in Rivers State, Porbeni recalled serving at the Government House in the early years of the state under the administration of its first military governor, Alfred Diette-Spiff, and later during the military governments of Admiral Suleiman Saidu and Colonel Dauda Komo. He said these experiences gave him a deep understanding of governance in the state and the dangers of political instability.
According to him, the current situation mirrors the bitter political crisis of 2017, a period he said weakened institutions, slowed development, and inflicted hardship on ordinary citizens.
“Rivers State is too important, too richly endowed, and too scarred by past conflicts to be dragged once again into avoidable turmoil,” Porbeni warned, noting that peace is the foundation of democracy, development, and effective governance.
He cautioned that prolonged political warfare would scare away both local and foreign investors, ultimately hurting traders, workers, youths, and families who depend on a stable economic environment.
Porbeni also reflected on Rivers State’s lost opportunities, recalling that as of 1999, when he left public office as a federal minister, the state ranked ahead of Lagos in investment potential. He lamented that while Lagos has since emerged as one of Africa’s leading economic hubs, Rivers State has struggled to fully realise its vast natural and human resources due largely to persistent political discord.
The elder statesman urged both Fubara and Wike to embrace dialogue, restraint, and humility, reminding them that political power is temporary but the consequences of today’s actions would endure.
“This is not a time to win battles; it is a time to save the house we all live in,” he said, adding that Rivers people deserve governance anchored on cooperation and a shared vision for prosperity.
Porbeni concluded by appealing for wisdom and restraint to prevail, praying for lasting peace in Rivers State and the unity of Nigeria.
