Retired naval officer and elder statesman, Rear Admiral Festus Bikepre Igbeyinadun Porbeni, has appealed for restraint and dialogue in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that prolonged conflict could destabilise governance and undermine economic development.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Porbeni said his intervention was driven by concern for the state and not by politics, personal loyalty or ambition.

He recalled his long-standing relationship with Rivers State governance, dating back to 1971, when he served at the Brick House under the administration of Alfred Diette-Spiff, the state’s first Military Governor. He also cited his role in 1978 as Executive Officer of NNS Akaso, working closely with Rear Admiral Suleiman Saidu, and his later involvement between 1994 and 1996 under the administration of Colonel Dauda Komo, when he served as Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, and a member of the Provisional Ruling Council.

According to Porbeni, these experiences gave him an intimate understanding of the Brick House as a symbol whose stability determines whether Rivers State thrives or descends into turmoil.

He warned that the current tension between the state government and the FCT Minister mirrors past political crises in the state, particularly the 2017 crisis, which he said weakened institutions, slowed development and imposed hardship on ordinary citizens.

Porbeni stressed that Rivers State is too important and too strategically endowed to be drawn into avoidable political warfare, noting that peace remains the foundation of democracy, effective governance and investor confidence.

He said political instability discourages both local and foreign investors and ultimately hurts traders, workers and youths whose livelihoods depend on a stable environment.

The former minister recalled that when he left public office in 1999, Rivers State ranked ahead of Lagos in terms of investment potential and strategic economic importance, but said internal political strife had since limited the state’s ability to fully realise its potential.

He noted that while Lagos has grown into one of Africa’s leading economic hubs, Rivers State, despite its vast natural and human resources, continues to suffer from the effects of political disharmony.

Porbeni urged both parties in the dispute to rise above ego, personal grievances and partisan interests, stressing that political power is temporary but the consequences of today’s actions would endure.

He called for the restoration of calm, mutual respect and cooperation, adding that this was not a time to win political battles but a time to protect the collective future of Rivers State.

Porbeni said he was speaking as an elder statesman and father figure, warning that while power can be lost and regained, peace, once broken, is difficult to restore.

He concluded by praying for wisdom, restraint and lasting peace in Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.