Rivers Didn’t Deserve This” — Tonye Cole Blames Prolonged Crisis For Massive Setback

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has lamented that the prolonged political crisis in the state has significantly slowed its development, claiming the conflict has set Rivers back by about two decades.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Cole said the lingering feud has created deep political divisions and stressed the need for leaders across party lines to put the state’s interests ahead of partisan politics.

According to him, he has already begun engaging political stakeholders from different camps in a bid to foster reconciliation and lay the foundation for a united and more prosperous Rivers State.

“I have reached out to different people across the political divide, telling them that we have fought a battle that has left Rivers State about 20 years behind where it should be. This is the time for all of us to come together and build a new Rivers State,” he said.

Cole argued that rebuilding the state should not be left to any single political party, insisting that capable individuals from across the political spectrum should be brought together to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the state’s future.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the PDP, APC, ADC or NDC. What matters now is finding the best people from every camp and working together on a master plan that will move Rivers State forward,” he stated.

The APC chieftain maintained that years of political rivalry and confrontation had failed to deliver meaningful progress, adding that collaboration now offers the best chance of restoring stability and development.

He disclosed that efforts were ongoing to bring aggrieved political actors together and encourage them to embrace reconciliation in the interest of the state.

Cole, however, warned that if political leaders fail to bridge their differences, Rivers State could be plunged into another cycle of bitter division that would further hinder its growth and development.