Frontline former Niger Delta militant leader from Bayelsa State, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, popularly known as ‘General’ Boyloaf, has called on Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara to shun sycophants and pursue true reconciliation with the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Boyloaf said that despite the perceived support being shown to Governor Fubura by some supporters within and outside Rivers state, he should pursue the part of peace and reconciliation with his predecessor for the sake of sustainable peace and development of the oil-rich state.
The ex-militant leader also expressed concern over delayed settlement of Rivers crisis, asserted that those fanning the embers of crisis were doing so because of their personal enrichment and interest.
Boyloaf warned: “Those fomenting the crisis will be nowhere near Fubara if something happens to his mandate as Governor of Rivers. It is too early for the happenings there. One way or another, they should find peace by truly reconciling their differences.
“By now, Governor Fubura should be ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers State. God forbid if something happens to his mandate, the same sycophants will be the first to abuse and abandon him. He should engage other peace-loving leaders to intervene and ensure true reconciliation is achieved as soon as possible.”
Boyloaf, who was one of the major leaders and co-founder of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and instrumental in the successful establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), pointed out that the Rivers and Niger Delta people know that ex-governor Nyesom Wike is very important to the region.
He asserted: “Wike stood strong in the battle to ensure the Southern Presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when other Niger Delta elders and leaders were fighting for another Fulani man to succeed a Fulani man as President. It is not that Wike does not like the Fulani man, but he fought for true federalism, justice, equity, and peace.
“I want to also urge Gov. Fubura to take a cue from the relationship between former Governor Seriake Dickson and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
“The peaceful and harmonious relationship between Dickson and Diri is due to patience, understanding and loyalty. When Dickson supported Diri to become governor with the assistance of the Almighty God, despite all temptations, Diri refused to be drawn into battle with his predecessor.
“It shows Diri is grateful and loyal, which led now Senator Dickson to work openly and vigorously for the second term bid of Diri. It showed that they worked for the peace of Bayelsa State and they refused to allow sycophants to divide them.”
Boyloaf cautioned those self-acclaimed pro-Fubura supporters threatening to make Rivers ungovernable if he is removed from office, averring that they were only out for their personal interest and enrichment.
He added: “Gov. Fubura must not be deceived. If the fight continues and he is removed, there would not be any more network to his phone, because those agitating and making empty threats will abandon him and go to the next person.
“Late former Governor Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha (DSP) was removed from office and the Heavens did not fall, but everybody moved on to support former Governor Goodluck Jonathan as governor, before he eventually became president.”
On the repeated attempts by some few politicians to turn the Rivers crisis into an ethnic battle, Boyloaf insisted that their attempts were shameful and unfortunate, stating that Wike had proven himself to be more of an Ijaw man by actions, than many Ijaw elders and leaders, given his disposition to the empowerment and development of Ijaw sons and daughters.
The Nation Newspaper
