Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that no amount of blackmail or protests will restore peace to Rivers State, stressing that true reconciliation requires genuine commitment from all stakeholders.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday during a Thanksgiving service marking the 70th birthday of former federal lawmaker Ken Chikere, Wike who is also the former governor of the state emphasized that peace can only be achieved when critical players, including members of the National Assembly, engage with sincerity of purpose.

He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency helped avert what could have been a major crisis in the state.

Wike also criticized traditional rulers and prominent figures whom he accused of taking sides in the ongoing political turmoil.

He said their failure to foster sincere dialogue and reconciliation had further deepened the crisis, rather than helping to resolve it.

“One month after Mr President, in his wisdom, declared a state of emergency to save Rivers State from anarchy, I challenge any Rivers so-called elder, even the traditional rulers, to state the attempt they made to bring total peace in the State.

“No amount of going to television to abuse anybody will bring peace, because we have always said that those who thrive in crisis are always happy when there is a crisis. When there is no crisis, there is no food on the table. Those people cannot be real elders.”

Wike criticized the women who staged nude protests in a bid to pressure for an end to the emergency rule and the reinstatement of the state’s elected leaders. He maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved through genuine reconciliation between all parties, regardless of their political affiliations or interests.

“There is no need to embarrass our women to be naked outside. No amount of such can bring peace, no amount of such blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is for you to humble yourself. and say for the interest of the state, I want everybody to work together,” he stated.

He added that sincerity would be evident if those involved were truly committed to reconciliation. “If you are sincere, everybody would have known. Some people have tried to approach me and I received them. I did not pursue them, but seeing me alone does not bring peace. There are critical stakeholders that must be involved in the process of this peacemaking. Nobody will be excluded. If any group is excluded, it means there is no total peace.”

He emphasized the need for inclusivity, stating, “Members of the State Assembly and the National Assembly must be involved. The two political parties must be involved, other leaders must be involved. In that way, we will now know that they are sincere in talking about peace.”

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