The Federal Government has distanced itself from the on-going political crisis in Rivers State, saying it has no hand in it.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reacted to the development while addressing State House correspondents following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The statement comes in response to allegations that the government was involved in the crisis, which has seen 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Idris said that the government’s position does not align with Wike’s, stating: “Well, he is a federal cabinet member; he is involved in the situation in the state. That cannot be a federal government position. How can it be the federal government’s position?”
He further stressed the government’s commitment to peace and stability in all parts of the country, including Rivers State: “Well, the federal government is always interested in the well-being of all the states, and in that direction, the federal government will always align with everyone in Nigeria to make sure that there is peace and tranquillity in all parts of this country.”
“But you know that what has happened in Rivers is not a creation of the federal government. It is a political problem that is brewing in the state,” Idris added.Regarding accusations from Asari Dokubo that President Tinubu has ignored the crisis, Idris stated that Dokubo’s message was merely advisory and the government remains committed to resolving the situation.
