Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, declared on Thursday that his battles were over, having successfully defeated his opponents who are now "not sleeping with their two eyes open." Fubara emphasized that he remains in office, approaching his first anniversary, contrary to his detractors' plans.
The Governor's statement comes amid a fierce conflict with his predecessor and former political mentor, Nyesom Wike. Last October, Fubara survived an impeachment attempt by Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to Wike. Recently, nine members of Fubara's cabinet, aligned with Wike, resigned.
Fubara addressed the national and state leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) at the Government House in Port Harcourt, thanking them for their support and assurance but stating, “there is nothing to call on you for because we have already defeated them.” The IYC leaders had embarked on a solidarity walk to the Government House to celebrate Isaac Adaka Boro Day.
The solidarity walk marked the heroic exploits of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro, who died 56 years ago and is commemorated annually on May 16. Boro formed the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, declared the Niger Delta Republic in 1966, and fought federal forces for 12 days. After being granted amnesty, he joined the Nigerian Army, fought during the civil war, and was mysteriously killed in 1968.
Fubara praised the IYC's assurances of support and encouraged the Ijaw Nation to celebrate the state's current liberation. He highlighted the importance of action over words, attributing their victory to the "Ijaw blood" of resilience and action.
Fubara noted Boro's dedication to equity, justice, and fair play, describing him as a liberator. He emphasized that every genuine Rivers citizen should embody the spirit of liberation. “Every Rivers man, it doesn’t matter whether you are Ijaw or upland, the most important thing is that every genuine Rivers man must be a liberator," he said.
The Governor urged Ijaw youths to conduct themselves peacefully during the Isaac Adaka Boro Day celebrations and thanked them for their support and commitment to the state's ongoing victory over political adversaries.
IYC National President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, lauded the Governor's bravery and commitment to good governance, warning detractors to allow Fubara to serve the people. Eastern Zone IYC Chairman, Tamuno Kpokpo, reiterated their support for the Governor and commitment to the state's development, asserting that they would resist any efforts to disrupt governance in Rivers State.
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