By John Ogunsemore
Former Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign, Dr. Doyin Okupe has said the political crisis in Rivers State may not end unless the interests of the disagreeing parties are discussed and reconciled.
Okupe called for a political solution to the crisis in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
Rivers has been enmeshed in crisis over a power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and current Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
This has created division within the Rivers State House of Assembly, while many members of Wike’s camp previously appointed by Fubara have quit.
In his reaction, Okupe said disregard for the rule of law caused the crisis.
“That is a total misfortune, and the real issue if we look at it properly, is that we do not obey our laws. if only we obey our laws, this situation cannot surface at all.
“The courts have to help, the judiciary must be consistent, fair and judge according to law, not any other sentiment.
“Let us all obey our laws and our rules and let the court adjudicate according to the law and anybody who flouts the law should pay for it.
“The way things are going in Rivers right now is dangerous, but a political solution is what I will suggest, as a very experienced politician,” he said.
Okupe described the situation as “dangerous”, warning of a possible escalation if a political solution is not explored to end the crisis.
He said, “In all my years of politics, I have never seen anything in this world that a political solution cannot resolve in all political disagreements.
“Politics is about interest. What is the interest of A and what is the interest of B, and how can we marry them? That’s is all.”