Fubara Worried as Tinubu Singles Him Out Amid Rivers Crisis

Governor Fubara expresses discomfort after President Tinubu mentioned only his name in a statement on the Rivers State crisis, raising questions about the potential political motives.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has voiced concern about President Bola Tinubu including his name in remarks regarding the destruction of local government secretariats in Rivers State.

Fubara appeared as a guest on the Politics Today program aired by Channels Television on Monday.

Violent clashes broke out in at least four local government areas, where rampaging political hoodlums set parts of the buildings on fire at the Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council premises. Meanwhile, sporadic gunfire erupted in Ahoada East as resistance against newly elected council officials took place on Monday.

The 23 council secretariats were set ablaze after police officers withdrew their security from the locations early Monday.

Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police chose not to participate in the election that resulted in newly elected local government chairmen, Fubara was adamant about holding it on Saturday.

The Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions in the oil-rich state, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed one seat. On Sunday, Fubara promptly inaugurated all 23 newly elected local government chairmen; however, by Monday some of these leaders faced attacks as they assumed office. Additionally, several council secretariats were set on fire by political adversaries.

Late Monday, Tinubu issued a statement through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, directing the police to safeguard the local government secretariats in the oil-rich state. The President also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters in Rivers State to demonstrate restraint and adhere to the rule of law.

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In response to Tinubu’s comments on the crisis, Fubara stated, “I have no problem with the President’s intervention; however, I am somewhat concerned that only my name was mentioned.”

The issue is straightforward and quite clear-cut. Everyone in Nigeria, including those in Rivers State, understands the origin of this matter. It’s not complicated or mysterious; it’s evident what the problem is, and it doesn’t involve Fubara at all.

I firmly believe that the recent intervention by the Inspector General of Police might provide us with some breathing room.

One possible reason the hoodlums took advantage of the situation could be because he withdrew his men from those secretariats. However, I urge that while these men are present, elected officials should still have the chance to perform their duties. At a minimum, they ought to ensure security for them—which was my initial thought.

“I never believed that the police should fully withdraw. No, their decision to move out is what enabled these troublemakers to target and destroy the secretariats.”