By Abiola Olawale
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has provided deep insights into the reasons for the ongoing political turmoil rocking the Oil rich state.
Fubara who spoke at the 18th anniversary celebration of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) and Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere’s 51st birthday, said that the primary cause of the ongoing political uncertainties in the state is the fight for control of the state’s rich resources.
According to him, his steadfast determination to prevent those he described as “external forces from exerting control over the state’s valuable resources garnered him significant criticism and led to his unpopularity among certain factions.”
However, Fubara pledged that Rivers state resources will be utilised judiciously for the benefit of the people of Rivers state.
He said: “There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers state.
“Rivers state resources belong to you, and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of the state.
“What you owe us is just one thing: continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance.
“Continue to pray for us because what is most important is the interest of the people here, and I believe that with your prayers, we will not lose focus and the purpose of governance will be achieved in Rivers state.”
Speaking further, Fubara commended the unrelenting efforts of Pastor Chinyere for “his philanthropic works and contributions to humanity,” stressing that his educational initiatives have been helpful to children in the vocational and technical skill set sub-sector.
“I want to commend you for what you are doing. Life is not about taking. What is important in life is giving, and anybody who believes that it is only taking, the person won’t go far in life.
“For all you are doing for humanity, God will continue to strengthen you. You don’t know what you are doing, but those of us who are outside understand your contributions to humanity.
“Look at what you just showed me here. How many of our schools are still functioning to provide that level of training? They are no longer there! We met a dead system which we are trying to revive. But you are doing it as a private person. Why won’t God bless you?”
The New Diplomat reports that Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, have been locked in titanic battle for the control of the political structure of the state as well as its economic fortunes.
The raging feud between the duo has triggered a political turmoil in Rivers state, culminating In conflicting and multiple court orders, and polarization of the Rivers House of Assembly into two diametrically opposed groups/Pro-Fubara and Pro-Wike.
In December 2023, Fubara and Wike signed an eight-point peal deal purportedly to address the raging feud.
The peace deal was signed at the presidential villa in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. However, since the development, the crisis in Rivers State has continue unabated with worsening dimensions.
