A member of the Rivers Elders Forum, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, has continued his public commentary on the political crisis in Rivers State, drawing historical comparisons and calling for intervention by political party leadership and the President. Ikoawaji made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Speaking on the ongoing dispute involving key political actors in the state, Ikoawaji questioned the basis of the conflict, particularly in light of shared political affiliations. He said, “And if you’re in the same family, does it call for all this?” He followed by criticising the internal operations of political parties, stating, “But let me tell you, my sisters, most of these leaders of political parties don’t even read their constitution.”
The Rivers Elders Forum member referenced a historical political crisis in the state, recalling an impeachment process from the early 1980s. He said, “In 1982, there was an issue in River State, the then old River State. Some of them are small boys, they don’t know these things.” According to him, the crisis at the time involved impeachment proceedings against a former state official. He explained, “Where there was impeachment notice on late Chief Mefodo Kilo, the MPN leadership moved their office from Lagos to River State to resolve it.”
Ikoawaji noted that the party leadership at the time took direct steps to address the issue. He said, “And they didn’t leave it, that matter was resolved.” Drawing a comparison with the current situation, he said those now advancing impeachment threats belong to the same political party as the governor. According to him, “Now, these people that are talking about impeachment are APC members. The governor is an APC member.”
He also referenced the political alignment of other key figures, stating, “Wike say he’s working for Mr. President.” Based on these affiliations, Ikoawaji said the responsibility now rests with party leadership. He said, “It the beckon on the party now.”
In his remarks, Ikoawaji called for the involvement of the President, linking the crisis to broader party interests. He stated, “And Mr. President, if they have him as their interest, the president has to step in. The party has to step in.”
The Rivers Elders Forum member also spoke on political experience and leadership, distinguishing public office from political skill. He said, “But let me tell you, I want to say this very clear, that you are a governor, does not make you a politician.” He added, “Except you want to learn.”
Continuing, he extended the statement to other elected officials, saying, “That you’re a senator does not make you a politician.” He concluded that segment of his remarks by commenting on how some office holders attain their positions, stating, “Because most of them don’t even know how they get there.
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