The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that true peace in Rivers State can only happen if all political and community leaders come together with honesty and unity.

Speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of former lawmaker Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt, Wike said that blackmail and public protests will not bring peace. He also stated that declaring a state of emergency in the state helped prevent a major crisis.

Wike criticized some traditional rulers and other elders for taking sides and not making real efforts to solve the ongoing political issues. He challenged them to show any serious attempt they made to stop the crisis.

He also condemned women who protested naked, calling it an embarrassment that won’t lead to peace. According to Wike, true peace will only come through honest dialogue and cooperation among all involved parties, regardless of political differences.

He stressed that members of both the State and National Assemblies, political parties, and other key leaders must be included in peace talks. Excluding any group, he warned, would only create more problems.

Wike made it clear that unity and humility are the only ways to move the state forward.