A Call for Unity, Reconciliation, and Leadership
(We Stoop to Conquer)
Your Excellency,
I write to you with a deep sense of duty and concern for the peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State. Your Excellency, you have fought a historic political battle, and with the Supreme Court’s ruling and the wise counsel of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, your leadership is needed now. Now, it is time to move forward, not as a factional leader, but as the Governor of all Rivers people.
The recent political turmoil, particularly with your ensraged Oga, the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has created unnecessary distractions from governance. However, as a true leader, you must rise above past conflicts and embrace reconciliation. These lawmakers based on SC judgement, remain critical to the legislative process and governance in Rivers State. Their return should not be met with hostility but with strategic reintegration, ensuring that governance is not hindered.
Rivers State is too important to Nigeria’s economic and political stability to be engulfed in endless political strife. Investors, businesses, and the ordinary people who look up to your administration for progress cannot afford further delays in development. The time has come to put politics aside and focus on governance.
Mr. President has called for the upholding of agreements and respect for judicial decisions. The Supreme Court has also spoken. Now, it is in your hands to turn this moment into a defining period of unity and stability for Rivers State. The path to true leadership is not in perpetual battles but in strategic reconciliation that strengthens your administration rather than weaken it.
Your Excellency, I urge you to take three decisive steps:
- Reintegrate the 27 lawmakers: Extend an olive branch to them and ensure their return is met with political maturity. By doing so, you will prove to the world that you are not just a leader but a statesman.
- Refocus on governance: Rivers people expect good roads, schools, healthcare, and economic opportunities — not political crises. Shift attention to delivering results that will define your legacy.
- Engage in strategic reconciliation: Beyond the lawmakers, key stakeholders, including political elders and community leaders, should be part of a broader reconciliation effort that solidifies your leadership.
Your Excellency, you have been given a rare opportunity to etch your name in history as the governor who chose unity over division, development over distractions, and leadership over personal battles. Do not let this moment slip away. Lead Rivers State to the promised land of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Posterity will judge all leaders by their ability to resolve conflicts, foster unity, and drive development. Let Rivers State not be remembered for political strife but for the wisdom of its leaders in choosing reconciliation over discord.
May wisdom, peace, and the spirit of true leadership guide your decisions.
Respectfully,
David E. Oguzierem
(David E. Oguzierem is the Chairman, Central Governing Council, Rivers Defense Alliance (RIVDAL). 07031200894, 08133034594. daveoguzierem@gmail.com)