Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly called on his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to release his hold over Rivers State and allow peace to return, following escalating tensions and violence in the state.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Fubara expressed frustration over the ongoing unrest, urging Wike to step back for the sake of peace and stability in the oil-rich state.
Fubara’s comments came after conducting local government elections in the state last Saturday, a decision that faced opposition from both Wike’s loyalists in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the resistance, Fubara stood firm in his decision to proceed with the elections.
“I have all the guts to do these things,” the governor stated, urging Wike to relinquish any perceived control he may have over the state. Fubara disclosed that despite multiple attempts to maintain peace, including personally pleading with Wike, the conflict continues to escalate. “There is nothing I have not done for peace to reign,” he said.
When asked about his message to Wike, Fubara replied, “I’ll tell him it has gotten to a point where he needs to let go. We need peace in this state. You don’t have to win all the fights. Sometimes, for the sake of the people, you let go.”
Fubara emphasized the need for stability, stating that Rivers State’s security and prosperity should take precedence over political disagreements. “Fubara will leave tomorrow, and someone else will come. It might be through him or another person, but we need to secure the state.”
Fubara also addressed the recent wave of violence that erupted across the state following the local government elections. On Sunday, the governor swore in 23 newly elected local government chairpersons, but political unrest flared up on Monday, with violent clashes in at least four local government areas. Secretariats in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua were set on fire by suspected political thugs, while gunfire erupted in Ahoada East as tensions boiled over.
The violence occurred after police officers were withdrawn from council secretariats by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, leaving the premises vulnerable. The unrest followed warnings from Fubara, who had raised the alarm about political actors seeking to destabilize the state.
Despite the volatile atmosphere, the governor insisted on proceeding with the elections, which were boycotted by both the PDP, APC, and the police. The Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured one seat.
Following the election results, some of the newly elected council chairpersons were attacked upon assuming office, and several local government buildings were looted and torched. President Bola Tinubu has since ordered the police to restore order and secure the local government secretariats across Rivers State.
In his message, Governor Fubara urged all parties to “sheathe their swords” and focus on governance rather than political conflict. He appealed directly to Wike, stating, “Even to the minister, my oga, there is no need to destroy this state. After four or eight years, someone else will take over. That should be the spirit.”
Watch the video below;
https://x.com/channelstv/status/1843367855884214493?t=veiEKxO3Y4rcrlxD1hY2Mw&s=19
