By Kolawole Ojebisi
The political tension in Rivers State has heightened following a declaration by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that he will not allow any individual or group to ride roughshod over him as long as he remains in the saddle in the “Garden City” state.
The governor said his administration remains steadfast and focused stressing that it would be distracted by blackmail, baseless claims or barefaced lies from his detractors’ camp.
Fubara noted that delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state who voted him into power remains his utmost priority.
Fubara stated this on Tuesday during the 64th Nigerian Independence Day Anniversary Parade at the Government House Arcade in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s “bold and pragmatic” economic reforms aimed at addressing the nation’s structural challenges and fostering long-term growth and prosperity.
Taking a walk down memory lane, Fubara said, “October 1st, 1960, is etched in our history, with Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, raising the cherished green-white-green flag, marking our independence from British colonial rule. Since then, many leaders, brave men, and women have made sacrifices to preserve our freedom and ensure unity.”
He continued, “Despite these difficulties, we have reasons to celebrate. We are known globally for our resilience, cultural diversity, and resourcefulness. As Nigerians, we must remain grateful for what we have and work towards building a nation where no one is oppressed, and everyone can live in peace and prosperity,”
He urged Nigerians to stay true to the vision of the nation’s founding fathers by promoting unity, peace, and justice. Fubara called for collaboration between Nigerians and the federal government to tackle the nation’s political and economic challenges, including corruption, nepotism, and insecurity.
“It is only through our collective efforts that Nigeria can achieve its true potential and become a global leader,” Fubara said.
The governor commended Tinubu for his determination to drive economic reforms and urged fellow governors to intensify efforts to combat insecurity, banditry, and oil theft, particularly in the Niger Delta region, for these reforms to yield positive results.
On his administration’s part, Fubara reassured the people of Rivers State of his unwavering commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors.
He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Fubara also applauded the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies for their role in maintaining peace and security in Rivers State, pledging continued support for their efforts.
The Governor also extended appreciation to men and officers of the Armed Forces for their services of bravery and worthy sacrifice in defending the collective freedom, unity and security of the nation.
He particularly appreciated the Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies for their sacrifices and contributions to internal peace, security, and stability of Rivers State.
He said: “I also thank and appreciate the good people of Rivers State and Nigerians across the country for your support and standing with us on the side of courage, truth and justice from the inception of our government to date.
“I assure you that we will never surrender to barefaced lies and blackmail from anyone, no matter how powerful he may be, but remain focused and re-dedicated to the interest of the nation, our dear Rivers State and the cause of our people.”
There has been an intractable political feud between the Minister of the Federal Capital territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and and his erstwhile ally, who is the incumbent governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,
The crisis has their members lining behind each of the gladiators and refusing any amicable resolution thus tearing the PDP into two factions between Wike and Fubara.
There are many speculations as to what drove the wedge into the rosy relationship that existed between the two politicans prior to 2023.
However, what is considered as the bone of contention of the acrimony is the alleged desire of the former Governor, Wike to continue to be in control of the party and by extension the state, thereby trying to relegate the incumbent Governor, Fubara to the background. All efforts, including the intervention of President Tinubu and other stakeholders to resolve the impasse, have failed as none of the warring parties is ready to yield any ground in the war that has been raging since October 2023.
So Wike, relying on his formidable political clout in the PDP, both at the state and national levels, influenced the recent congresses of the PDP to ensure that his loyalists were “selected” as members of the PDP executives at the ward, local government and the state levels leaving Governor Fubara and his supporters with the decision to opt for APP as their platform for the coming local government elections.
