The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has appealed to the warring factions in Rivers State to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Chief Iwuanyanwu made the appeal, emphasizing the need for an amicable resolution to the conflict between the factions loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, members of the Rivers House of Assembly, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that achieving such a resolution is crucial for fostering peace and development not only in Rivers State but also across the entire Eastern region and Nigeria as a whole.

He stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is closely monitoring the situation with deep concern and is greatly unsettled by the unfolding events.

Chief Iwuanyanwu noted that both former Governor Wike and his successor are their sons and wondered why they could not come to a roundtable to resolve their differences so that Rivers State can progress.

He emphasised that only the FCT Minister and Governor Fubara can resolve the crisis situation, saying the earlier they do so, the better.

While stating the economic importance of Port Harcourt as a commercial heartbeat of Eastern Nigeria, the elder statesman added that any problem that affects it or Rivers State will have ripple effects in the entire region.

He recalled that soon after the civil war when there was a similar problem, the leaders of Eastern Nigeria met at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt to form the Council of Eastern Nigeria Business Leaders.