Rivers politics: Wike, Magnus Abe settle longstanding rift
In a move to mend fences and foster unity within the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, a former lawmaker, Senator Magnus Abe, has publicly announced making peace with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Abe, who had been embroiled in a feud with Wike due to their different positions on political issues, expressed his commitment to ending the rift.
The former lawmaker said in his Facebook post on Friday, “I have made peace with the Honourable Minister of the FCT, and former governor of Rivers State.”
Emphasising the importance of unity, Abe said he accompanied Wike to Chief Tony Okocha’s thanksgiving ceremony, a gesture he described as “show[ing] that my commitment to end the rift in our party is total.”
Abe commended Wike’s approach to resolving the conflict, stating, “I want to publicly thank the minister; he (Wike) could have behaved like other politicians—made peace with me, and still encourage me, Tony (Okocha) and others to continue fighting. But his style is direct, truthful, and sincere, and it will create a united team.”
He expressed his belief that the APC in Rivers State would benefit from the “process of peaceful reunification and reintegration.”
Abe further said, “The disagreements within are over and done for good because the oxygen for conflict has been extinguished.”
He acknowledged that while it might take time, the result would be a united front, as “all those with us, who sincerely wish us well, will go with us and tow the path of unity because we all know that it is the right way to go.”
Extending his gratitude to Okocha, who hosted the thanksgiving ceremony, Abe said, “Let me also thank Chief Okocha; of course, he knew I was coming, and he received me well.”
Reaffirming his allegiance to the APC, Abe declared, “My home is in the APC. Let us come together. Everyone will benefit from us working together.”
While acknowledging the need for further discussions, Abe urged the party faithful to focus on the economy for the time being.
“When it is time, we will speak. For now, make I dey my dey. Let us focus on the economy. God bless you all,” he stated.
In July 2022, the former representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly dumped the APC in Rivers State.
However, Abe, who was the Rivers State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 election, formally announced his return to the APC in January 2024.
Abe dumped the APC for the SDP ahead of the 2023 election, where he secured the party’s ticket to contest the governorship election.
