Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said that restructuring the country remains the solution to the agitations for secession.
Wike advised those agitating for secession to rather push for restructuring.
The governor spoke when the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Chukwuka Ndukuba, led a delegation of the church on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Governor explained that the people of Rivers State had for decades lived peacefully with Nigerians from other parts of the country.
He, however, regretted that criminals under the aegis of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) misconstrued the peaceful disposition of the state and chose to carry out treasonous activities like foisting their flags and renaming Rivers’ communities.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike insisted that the state was peaceful during the #EndSARS protest until IPOB members allegedly unleashed unprovoked attacks that killed six soldiers, four policemen and destroyed all police stations and court buildings in Oyigbo.
He reiterated that the allegation that he ordered soldiers to attack Igbo people living in Oyigbo was untrue and politically motivated.
According to him, if he had not imposed curfew on the area based on security advice, there would have been bloody confrontation between Hausa and Igbo communities.
He urged those with divisive tendencies to join those clamouring for the restructuring of the country in order to usher in a new and united Nigeria.
“We need the unity of this country. What everybody is talking about is the restructuring of this country. If we are practising federalism, let it be federalism. We can’t be talking about federalism, but we are practising a unitary system of government,” he said.
Wike implored the church to continue to pray for Nigeria, saying the country was sitting on a keg of gunpowder.
“This is the time for the church not to be docile; this is the time for the church to speak out. When society is bad, it affects the church. When governance is bad, it affects the church. No matter how we look at it, nobody can run away from it. Things are not working well in the country. The way the country is supposed to be is not where we are. Even when you are in the pulpit, it is an opportunity to speak to your members that things are not well,” he added.
Speaking, Ndukuba, said the church was very proud of the steps Wike had taken on critical issues.
“We came not only to encourage you as the Lord encouraged Joshua, we believe as the Lord was with Joshua, He will be with you. He will strengthen you and under your leadership, this state will know greatest development and peace. The Lord God Almighty who called you and gave you this opportunity will not leave you or forsake you. Only be strong and courageous. We are proud of you,” he said.
