By Ken Afor
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has responded to critics who questioned his decision to probe the immediate past administration of Nyesom Wike.
Fubara, who was a civil servant during Wike’s tenure, stated that he has maintained comprehensive records of his actions and decisions during his tenure as a civil servant under the previous government, as reported by The Nation.
During the inauguration ceremony for the Egbeda internal road project on Tuesday, May 21, Fubara firmly asserted that his records demonstrate that all his actions and decisions while serving in the previous administration were undertaken with proper approvals and authorization from the relevant authorities.
He emphasized that his conduct was in strict adherence to established protocols and procedures.
He maintained: “civil servant I’m Ready to answer queries, I took my time to document all activities I carried out.”
It would be recalled that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had on Monday urged Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to exercise restraint and avoid escalating political tensions in Rivers state.
The former President who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of a N222.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road Project in the state, J
emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the two leaders. He called on Fubara and the FCT Minister to set aside their differences and work together towards the shared goal of advancing the growth and development of Rivers State.
The former President stressed that political rivalries should not hinder the progress of the state and urged both leaders to prioritize the well-being of the people they serve.
While expressing concern over the escalating political tensions in the oil-rich state, he noted that the current level of conflict was excessive and counterproductive. He cautioned that such a crisis would only hinder the state’s development and progress.
He said: “Outgoing governors and incoming governors must know that they have to work together for the collective interest of the citizens of the state, and that is critical.
“In the case of Rivers, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the land and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.”
Jonathan, a former Governor of Bayelsa State highlighted the strategic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria, stating that destabilizing the region could have far-reaching detrimental effects on the entire Niger Delta area and potentially trigger cascading consequences nationwide. He emphasized that maintaining stability and peace in Rivers State was crucial for the well-being of not only the state but also the broader national interest.
He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the people and the development of the state over political rivalries and power struggles. He called for a concerted effort to resolve disputes through dialogue and compromise, rather than allowing tensions to escalate further.
“So, I urge political actors; you must work together if you love the Rivers people. I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling for a truce and ceasefire to also reemphasise that there is a need for a ceasefire.
“Let us do things that would rather project the state.
“We call on them [Wike and Fubara] to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest.
“Transition in Nigeria is becoming a problem. At the centre, presidents have taken over from presidents. They are always issues, but at the state level, it is becoming noisy, and I feel that that is not the best,” he added.
