Fubara to Wike: It’s Time to Release Control of Rivers, You Can’t Win All Battles

Governor Fubara advises Nyesom Wike to step back from Rivers State affairs, stating that Wike cannot win every political fight in the ongoing power struggle.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to relinquish any control he wishes to maintain over Rivers State and promote peace in the oil-rich region.

Fubara, during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program this Monday, expressed no regret about holding the local government election in the state last Saturday. This decision came despite opposition from Wike’s supporters within both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I have the courage to take these actions,” asserted the governor, urging his predecessor to relinquish any perceived control over the South-South state.

The governor stated that he has maintained all “understandings” with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure peace in the state, but unfortunately, the issue continues to escalate.

“I have done everything possible on this earth to ensure peace prevails,” Fubara said. “I can recount the countless times I’ve knelt and pleaded for us to move forward from this issue.”

When asked what message he would give to Wike if they met, Fubara replied, “I would tell him that it’s time to let go. We need peace in this state.”

You don’t have to win every battle; sometimes, it’s important to let things go for the well-being of Rivers State and out of love for the state. Our priority should be securing it.

“Fubara is set to depart tomorrow. There’s uncertainty about who might arrive next. Whether it’s through him or someone else, we must ensure the state’s security.”

“No Need to Harm Rivers”

Fubara stated that the election season has concluded and it is now time to focus on governance. He encouraged the FCT minister to embrace peace.

Here’s a rewritten version: “The point I want to emphasize is that everyone should put their swords away. Even for the minister, my superior, there’s no need to bring harm to this state.”

READ ALSO: Fubara Worried as Tinubu Singles Him Out Amid Rivers Crisis

He (Wike) once governed this state, and it became the envy of others. Now we have someone new in charge, so what we need is support for them. In four or eight years, I’ll step down too, and someone else will take over. That’s the mindset we should have.

“The governor emphasized that while the election period is a time for competition and action, now is the moment for governance. ‘We need all the support,’ he said.”

Fubara stated that all Nigerians are aware he is not involved in the damage to local government secretariats in Rivers State.

The governor mentioned that during the swearing-in ceremony of 23 newly elected local government chairpersons in the state on Sunday evening, he raised concerns about certain dissatisfied political figures who had organized efforts to disrupt the state’s peace on Monday.

Violent clashes broke out in at least four local government areas, as rampaging political hooligans set parts of the buildings on fire within Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council premises. Meanwhile, sporadic gunfire erupted in Ahoada East to oppose the new council officials.

The commissioner of police ordered the withdrawal of officers securing the 23 council secretariats, shortly after which the LG secretariats were set on fire.

Even though the PDP, APC, and the police chose not to participate in electing new LG chairmen, Fubara insisted that the election proceed on Saturday.

Following the exercise conducted amidst heightened tension, the Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the oil-rich state, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed one seat.

On Sunday, Fubara promptly inaugurated the 23 newly elected local government chairpersons. However, by Monday, some of these officials faced attacks after assuming office, and several council secretariats were set on fire by political adversaries.

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the police to ensure the security of local government secretariats in the oil-rich state.