A civil society organisation, Citizens Action for Good Governance, has called on parties involved in the Rivers State crisis to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign in the interest of democracy.

The Convener of the group, Murtala Gamji, made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at a news conference titled “Addressing the meddlesomeness of the G-60 opposition group in the Rivers State’s political crisis.”

According to Mr Gamji, the misunderstanding between a former Governor Nyesom Wike’s group and state governor, Siminalaye Fubara’s group who are members of the state House of Assembly should be resolved amicably.

He said that the group of 60 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, known as the G-60 needed to also work for the resolution of the crisis in the interest of democracy.

He stated, “The Rivers State crisis is an internal matter within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and as such unity should be promoted rather than taking sides and exacerbating the situation. This raises questions about the true intentions and purpose of the G-60 group and the group has failed to provide meaningful solutions to national issues. We urge Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and the G-60 group to cease their divisive actions and work towards fostering unity and progress within the opposition parties. The people of Nigeria deserve leaders who prioritise the common good over personal gain. We demand an end to the meddling in Rivers state’s internal affairs and a focus on addressing the pressing issues facing our nation.’’

Mr Gamji urged parties involved to strive for a democracy, built on principles of integrity, unity and good conscience.

“This is a call to order and a call to serve in the true Nigerian spirit. We must work together to build a brighter future for all Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking, Co-Convener of the group, Enyi Ejike-Umunnabuike, called on all aggrieved parties to respect the rule of law.

Mr Ejike-Umunnabuike said that the way forward to resolving the Rivers crisis was to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s decision and follow his move for reconciliation.

He stated, “The way forward had first been espoused by His Excellency President Bola Tinubu when he convened the peace and reconciliatory meeting at the State house, Abuja. At that meeting, an eight-point resolution was raised, which had to do with issues and values and norms regarding crisis resolution and what the parties were supposed to do. But midway the governor of the River State moved to implement one or two before some fifth columnist or people who thought they had better knowledge based came and confused it.

 That led to a departure from what had been agreed before Mr President. For the sake of clarity, a president of the country is the father of the entire nation and every individual, no matter how old you are, you are supposed to respect and abide by whatever talks he proffers in the case of mediation.’’

Mtr Ejike-Umunnabuike said the way forward was to follow the rule of law as the grand norm that guides behaviours in the public.

(NAN)