In a poignant open letter released today, retired Nigerian Navy Admiral Festus Porbeni expressed profound worry over the escalating tensions between Rivers State Governor and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, urging them to prioritize harmony over discord for the sake of the region’s future.
Drawing from his extensive history of service to the state, Porbeni emphasized that his plea stems purely from patriotism and a deep-seated commitment to Rivers’ well-being, rather than any political agenda or personal gain.
Porbeni, who has held key roles in Rivers’ governance since the state’s early days, recounted his experiences starting in 1971 as a sub-lieutenant under the first military governor, Alfred Diette-Spiff. He highlighted the fragility of leadership during those formative years, where missteps could destabilize the entire area.
His service continued in 1978 as lieutenant commander and executive officer under Admiral Suleiman Saidu, where he observed the critical need for balanced authority and collective focus to maintain order.
Further involvement came between 1994 and 1996 under Colonel Dauda Komo, serving on the Provisional Ruling Council and as flag officer commanding the Eastern Naval Command, which deepened his insight into the state’s administrative core as a pillar of progress or peril.
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These encounters, he noted, have left him with indelible lessons that now fuel his alarm at the current impasse, which mirrors the damaging 2017 crisis that hampered governance, divided communities, and stalled growth.
Warning that ignoring historical precedents invites worse outcomes, Porbeni stressed Rivers’ vital role and abundant resources, arguing that ongoing strife risks repelling investors and burdening everyday residents like traders and families who rely on stability. He recalled how, upon leaving office as a federal minister in 1999, Rivers outpaced Lagos in investment appeal, yet internal divisions allowed Lagos to surge ahead as a continental powerhouse.
Porbeni called on both leaders to transcend personal egos and grievances, embracing dialogue and mutual respect to foster a cooperative environment. He underscored that true leadership lies in safeguarding the state’s peace and potential, not in fleeting victories that scar institutions and people. As a seasoned diplomat and former minister, Porbeni positioned himself as a guiding elder, reminding that shattered tranquility is far harder to mend than power is to reclaim.
