NCSU Urges FCT Minister, Wike To Give Peace A Chance In Rivers For Effective Governance

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has condemned what it described as the continued interference of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in the political affairs of Rivers State, calling on him to retrace his steps and allow peace, unity, and democratic governance to prevail.

The union accused the former Rivers State governor of stoking political tension through alleged inflammatory statements and actions aimed at destabilising the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking during an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said the union was deeply worried by the prolonged political crisis in the state, noting that it has begun to negatively affect governance, civil service efficiency, and the overall peace of Rivers State.

Osumah appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by calling Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to him to order, warning that continued political hostilities could further escalate tensions in the state.

“It is now incumbent on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to retrace his steps and give peace a chance. Rivers State belongs to its people and not to any individual,” Osumah said.

According to the NCSU chairman, the most honourable step for Wike is to allow Governor Fubara to freely govern the state and concentrate on completing his first term in office, rather than engaging in actions capable of distracting the administration from delivering dividends of democracy.

He expressed disappointment over the conduct of some lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, alleging that legislators aligned with the FCT Minister have abandoned their constitutional responsibilities and the mandate given to them by their constituents in favour of political battles.

Osumah questioned whether Wike intended to continue running the affairs of Rivers State by proxy, despite having already served the state for a cumulative period of eight years as governor, completing both his first and second terms successfully.

Describing such tendencies as undemocratic and unacceptable, the NCSU chairman stressed that democracy thrives on respect for institutions, the rule of law, and the will of the electorate.

“It is preposterous for anyone to attempt to dictate how Rivers State should be governed. Power belongs to the people, and governance must reflect their choices and aspirations,” he stated.

The labour leader also faulted claims allegedly attributed to Wike suggesting influence over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, insisting that as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the FCT Minister lacks the authority to determine leadership issues within another political party.

Osumah further condemned reported threats, intimidation, and harassment of political supporters and loyalists of Governor Fubara, describing such actions as regrettable and capable of plunging the state into avoidable chaos.

He noted that Rivers people should not be made to suffer due to personal or factional political ambitions, stressing that peace remains critical to development and economic growth.

Aligning himself with the position of the APC leadership in Rivers State, the NCSU Chairman noted that the party’s structure in the state has publicly declared its support for Governor Fubara, a development he said reflects growing bipartisan confidence in the governor’s leadership.

Osumah emphasized that organised labour and civil servants remain committed to peace, stability, and good governance, warning that prolonged political instability could undermine productivity, public service delivery, and investor confidence.

On the strength of these concerns, the NCSU called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive steps to restore calm in Rivers State, urging all political actors to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and democratic values. “Rivers State must not be held hostage by political ego or personal interest. We urge all stakeholders to put the interest of the state and its people first,” Osumah concluded.