An elder statesman in the Niger Delta region, Felix Ogbebor, has expressed concern over the ongoing dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili.
Ogbebor, on Saturday described the war of words as detrimental to the state’s peace and development.
Speaking at Isiokpo Kingdom, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he was conferred with the traditional title of Eze Enyi Ohna, Alimini Isiokpo, Ogbebor called for calm and reconciliation between the two political figures.
“What we are seeing today between the Minister, Wike, and the former governor, Odili, should not be. Wike is a man that has respect. I believe that it is the media that caused more of the problem. I urge media houses to play down the issues so that there will be peace and development in Rivers State,” he said.
The elder statesman, who noted the longstanding good relationship between Wike and Odili, urged them to restore their camaraderie for the sake of the state’s progress.
Ogbebor Speaks On Forest Guard Force
On national security, Ogbebor called on President Bola Tinubu to propose a bill to the National Assembly for the establishment of a Forest Guard Force (FGF).
He emphasized that such a force would bolster security in farms, enabling farmers to return to their lands and boost food production.
He said: “The President has programmes that will benefit Nigerians. All we are saying is that Nigerians should be a little bit patient. Before, it was as if we didn’t have anything. But now look at the seriousness that people are approaching their farms and other businesses. This way the economy will be stable.
“Let the President send an executive bill to the National Assembly so that Forest Guard Force can come into place. If he can put Forest Guard Force in Place, you will see that many people will return to their farms. Farmers will not be afraid to go to farm.
“The forest Guard Force will take care and provide security in the bushes. People will go back to farm and there will be enough food. Once Forest Guard is in place there will not be attacks, killings and kidnapping of farmers. With that there will be enough food in Nigeria.”