Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has called on his predecessor and former ally, Chief Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to allow him govern the state in peace. Fubara urged Wike, whom he referred to as “my oga,” to set aside political disputes and focus on supporting the state’s progress.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, Fubara expressed concerns over the rising political tensions, emphasizing that Rivers State had thrived under Wike’s leadership and should not face internal disruptions. He appealed for calm, stating, “There is no need for anybody to destroy things. When Wike was the Governor, Rivers was the envy of all. Now, it’s time for governance, not politics.”
When asked about the root of the conflict between him and Wike, Fubara declined to go into specifics but hinted that the disagreement stemmed from issues of power and control. He stressed the importance of unity, saying, “Everyone should sheath their sword. Even to the Minister, my oga, there is no need to destroy things. Another person is in charge now, and support should be given. After my term, whether it’s four or eight years, someone else will take over. That’s how it should be.”
Fubara also mentioned ongoing challenges in the state, such as low oil production and security issues in Emohua and Degema, expressing his frustration that internal power struggles were adding to these problems. “This is an in-house issue that shouldn’t be out in the public. We all know what it is—it’s about power and control,” he said.
Despite welcoming the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in calling for peace, Fubara expressed concern that the President’s statement only mentioned his name. “I have no issue with the President’s intervention, but I was a bit concerned when my name was singled out. Everyone in Nigeria and Rivers knows the root of this issue. It’s not about me.”
Fubara also criticized the recent withdrawal of police officers from local government secretariats, which he believes contributed to the violent protests that erupted across Rivers State on Monday. He urged the Inspector-General of Police to reinstate the officers to prevent further unrest and ensure the safety of government properties.
Comments