The Rivers State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has slammed elder statesmen taking sides in the lingering political crisis in the oil-rich state, saying the development is shameful and divisive.
The association expressed dismay that events unfolding in the state had gone beyond mere disagreements among political actors to a dangerous drift threatening governance, peace, security and the collective wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
CAN said it was worrisome that some elder statesmen, who were expected to play fatherly roles by offering solutions to the crisis, were instead encouraging division and instability through their utterances.
The state chairman of CAN, Dr. Dokiboeriya Kaladokubo, stated this while reading the text of a press briefing titled “We Sue for Peace” to journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Saturday.
Kaladokubo said that while disputes and disagreements were part of constitutional democracy, progress could only be achieved when parties were willing to set aside their differences and seek peaceful resolutions.
He said the association would neither remain silent while the state was continually pushed towards chaos, institutional breakdown and unwarranted suffering of innocent citizens, nor watch political leaders pursue personal interests while governance suffered.
Kaladokubo stated, “The Christian Association of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, has watched with deep concern, sadness and growing alarm the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State.
“What we see today is not merely a disagreement among political actors; it is a dangerous drift that threatens the very foundations of governance, peace, security and the collective wellbeing of our people.
“As custodians of the spiritual and moral conscience of Rivers State, we cannot remain silent while the state is steadily pushed towards chaos, institutional breakdown and avoidable suffering.”
He added that CAN had observed with disappointment the gradual descent of governance in Rivers State into uncertainty, exposing innocent citizens to insecurity, economic hardship, loss of livelihood and destruction of lives and property.
“We are not oblivious to the fact that Rivers State, like some other states, often experiences tension between the Executive and the Legislature. When such disagreements escalate, they hinder governance, delay budgets, erode public trust and impede development,” he said.
Kaladokubo continued, “Disputes are part and parcel of constitutional democracy. However, for progress to be attained, it is essential that parties seek peaceful resolutions.
“Rivers State is predominantly Christian, and as spiritual leaders with a divine and scriptural mandate, we will no longer watch political leaders fight for personal interests while governance takes a back seat.”
He said the association was therefore calling on all political actors to halt hostilities in the interest of peace, stability and progress of the state.
“In furtherance of our peace advocacy, the leadership of CAN Rivers State, with the approval of the Chairman-in-Council, hereby declares a one-day fasting and prayer programme for peace, good governance and political stability in Rivers State,” he said.
He urged CAN blocs, church leaders and stakeholders to mobilise members for the programme scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10am, at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
While encouraging both arms of government to imbibe forgiveness and prioritise good governance, CAN urged all parties to call on their supporters to exercise restraint and de-escalate tension.
Kaladokubo added, “Even more disturbing is the role of some elder statesmen who should serve as voices of wisdom and unity. Rather than guiding the process toward peace, some have taken sides, fuelled division and encouraged instability.
“CAN therefore condemns in the strongest terms the shameful, senseless and reckless political warfare in Rivers State, the attitude of elder statesmen who encourage division, and the culture of impunity among political actors.
“These paths lead only to destruction, suffering and generational consequences. We appeal to all political gladiators to sheath their swords, put aside pride, ego and personal ambition. Power is temporary. Authority is a trust. Leadership is service.”
He said CAN remained committed to peace, justice, truth and reconciliation, adding that the association was open to dialogue and mediation aimed at restoring stability and responsible governance.
Our correspondent reports that two major blocs of elders currently exist in the state: the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum, led by former governor Chief Rufus Ada-George and sympathetic to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State Elders Council, headed by Chief Ferdinand Anabraba and sympathetic to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
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