Northerners in Rivers accuse Fubara of marginalisation

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Chairman for Rivers State and Southern Nigeria, Musa Saidu, has expressed deep concern over the alleged continued marginalization of Northerners in Rivers State by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In an interview with The Guardian in Port Harcourt, Saidu alleged that since Fubara took office, Northerners have not benefited from his government, citing a lack of appointments, contracts, and representation in the state government.

He accused Fubara of continuing the policies of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which he claimed were discriminatory against Northerners.

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He said: “Since Governor Siminalayi Fubara held sway we have not benefited anything, we did not see rice, we did not see appointment and the marginalisation has continued from the Nyesom Wike era.

“We did not do bad to Governor Fubara. What we are seeing is that the policy of Wike has continued. We do not have any representative in the Rivers State Government House on behalf of the North.”

He condemned Fubara for abandoning and dividing the Northern community in Rivers State.

Saidu expressed deep disappointment and frustration, stating that Fubara has created a crisis and division among Northerners.

He likened Fubara’s actions to those of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who they dragged to court for eight years over similar issues.

The Northern leader emphasized that Fubara’s actions have exacerbated the existing divisions and marginalized the community.

He urged the governor to take immediate action to address the grievances and work towards inclusivity and unity.

While speaking on the recent inauguration of five news commissioners, Saidu expressed disappointment that Northerners were not represented in the recent appointment of commissioners, with an Igboman from Abia State being the only non-Rivers State indigene on the list.

He emphasized that Northerners were excluded from the process, despite their contributions to the state.
The Northern leader criticized Fubara’s government for being “entirely partial” against Northerners, accusing him of only favouring the Igbo community.

He warned that this could lead to division among the people and urged the governor to engage with legitimate Northern leaders to address their grievances.

Saidu, however, reiterated that Northerners are not opposed to Fubara’s government, but want to see progress and inclusivity in Rivers State.

He, also called on Fubara to reverse the marginalization and work towards an all-inclusive government, warning that Northerners may be forced to seek alternative alliances if the situation persists.

“However, our next line of action is that we are in the market, we do not owe any allegiance to the governor, if he does not work with us and another person comes to us, we will work with the person. We are not indebted to Fubara, he can not stop us from dealing with others because we have been dealing with others before he became governor,” he said.

“Although Wike can not work with us because we do not swallow our vomit. Wike under his supervision Northerns were slaughtered during the EndSarS protest and families of security agencies were compensated but we were not paid any compensation till today. Wike is not the only person he is out of contention.”

The ACF leader also criticized Fubara’s recent appointment of commissioners, which he said did not reflect the diversity of the state.