Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara has publicly appealed to his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to step back and allow him to govern the state effectively. During an appearance on Politics Today, Fubara emphasized the importance of focusing on governance rather than political conflicts, recalling how Wike's tenure had made Rivers the envy of other states.
He urged Wike to support his administration, stating that it is crucial to prioritize the state's progress over personal disputes.Fubara hinted at underlying tensions related to "power and control," although he refrained from delving into specifics. He expressed a desire for unity, urging all parties involved to "shield their swords" and work collaboratively for the benefit of Rivers State.
The governor stressed that while political battles may resume during election seasons, the current focus should be on governance and addressing pressing issues such as low oil production.The governor also welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's call for peace but expressed concern that only his name was mentioned in the statement. Fubara indicated that the ongoing strife is widely recognized and does not solely revolve around him, suggesting a broader context of political dynamics in Rivers State.
Furthermore, he attributed recent violent protests in Rivers to the withdrawal of police from local government secretariats, which he believes created a security vacuum that was exploited by troublemakers. Fubara called for police reinforcements to ensure the safety of elected officials and maintain order within the councils as they begin their new terms.