Concerned by the lingering political friction between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, the Ogbakor Ikwerre USA/Canada has called for genuine and urgent reconciliation between the duo.

Recall that the intense rivalry between Amaechi and Wike, both Ikwere sons in Rivers State, began when Amaechi was the Governor of the State and Wike, his ex-Chief of Staff, was the Minister of State for Education. Between 2013 and 2014, the rivalry intensified after Amaechi defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Wike clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket, subsequently winning the election. Since then, the conflict has escalated to fierce battle, especially during election periods for political supremacy in the State and beyond.

Consequently, the battle, which centred on betrayal and dominance, has continued to heat the polity in the state, as supporters of Amaechi accuse Wike of betrayal, while Wike and his supporters claim Amaechi opposed his ambition to become governor. The lingering political fight continued to affect the state’s growth and economy.

Speaking on the need to ensure peace, true reconciliation, and unity in the state, President Ogbakor Ikwerre USA/Canada, Dr Patrick Anya Woke, called on Amaechi and Wike to sheathe their swords and embrace total peace for the sake of the state and the young generations.

Dr. Woke, who made the call at the end of a free medical outreach organised by the group in Rivers State, said the group is desirous of seeing the two former governors of Rivers State settle their political differences.

He said the Ogbakor Ikwere USA and Canada had earlier initiated moves to resolve the friction between the two Ikwere sons before the 2023 general elections, during which both ran for the presidency.

He said, “We always remember the Ikwere sons. We plan robust engagement with our two brothers to bring them together. When we discuss, we will find a common ground to resolve the conflict.

He further expressed the group’s readiness to collaborate with other organisations to address the health needs of the people in Rivers State.

He described the medical outreach, during which several persons from the four Ikwerre-speaking local government areas of the state received treatment for various ailments, as a way of giving back to society.

He said the exercise has not only improved the quality of life of his people but also ensured quality health care for them. (The Guardian)