Allow peace to reign, let go of Rivers, Fubara tells Wike

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to relinquish any control he seeks to maintain over Rivers State and to allow peace to prevail in the state.

Fubara made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, insisting that he does not regret conducting the recent local government elections despite resistance from Wike’s allies in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I have all the guts to do these things,” Fubara stated, challenging Wike to let go of any perceived influence he has over the South-South state.

The governor noted his commitment to maintaining peace, indicating that he has adhered to all agreements he had with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to foster tranquility in the state, but tensions have continued to escalate.

“There is nothing I have not done on this earth for peace to reign. I can tell you the number of times I have knelt to beg that let’s allow this issue to go. I have done everything,” Fubara expressed.

When asked what message he would convey to Wike if they met, Fubara replied, “I’ll tell him (Wike) that it has gotten to a point where he needs to let go. We need peace in this state. You don’t necessarily need to win all the fights; at times, you just let go for the sake of the good people of Rivers State and the love that you have always professed for the state. We need to secure the state.

“Fubara will leave tomorrow. Who knows who is going to come? It might be through him or another person but we need to secure the state.”

Fubara said that the election periods are over and that it is now time for governance. He urged the FCT minister to prioritise peace.

“What I am appealing is: everyone should sheathe their swords. Even to the minister, my oga (my boss), there is no need to destroy this state,” he remarked.

“He (Wike) once ruled this state, and the state was an envy of every other state. Another person is there now; what we need now is support. After four years or eight years, who knows? I will also leave, and someone else will take over. That should be the spirit.”

Fubara reiterated that all Nigerians are aware he has no involvement in the destruction of local government secretariats in Rivers State. He noted that he had alerted the public about potential disturbances from aggrieved political actors aiming to disrupt the peace of the state shortly after he swore in 23 newly elected local government chairpersons.

Following the recent local government elections, violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas, resulting in parts of council buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua being set ablaze by political thugs. Sporadic gunfire was reported in Ahoada East as some political actors resisted the new council officials.

The arson incidents at the local government secretariats coincided with the withdrawal of police officers responsible for securing the 23 council secretariats, as ordered by the commissioner of police. Although the PDP, APC, and the police opted out of the election process that led to the appointment of the newly elected local government chairpersons, Fubara insisted on proceeding with the election on Saturday.

Despite the heightened tension surrounding the exercise, the Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in Rivers State, with the Action Alliance (AA) winning one seat. Fubara promptly swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairpersons on Sunday, but some of them faced attacks upon taking office on Monday, and several council secretariats were set on fire by political opponents.

In response to the unrest, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the police to ensure the security of the local government secretariats in Rivers State.