Rivers: We Will Emerge Stronger From This Political Crisis – Fubara

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Fubara acknowledged that the political tension might leave many depressed but stated that supernatural forces might be at play beyond human understanding.
However, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations led by Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) condemned the “unsubstantiated” allegations made by the former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, against Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

Fubara also cautioned against falling prey to those who want to engineer violence with provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilise the state.

The governor stated this when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who paid him Sallah visit at his private residence in Port Harcourt.

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Fubara said, “Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria.”

He urged the delegation and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us towards a greater purpose.

“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger.”  Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslims, Nasir Uhor declared solidarity with Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the political challenges.

He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100 per cent Christian state, Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority creating room for inclusiveness.
NWAEKE had alleged that the governor masterminded the burning of the House of Assembly complex on October 29, 2023, to prevent his impeachment.

But TMG Coordinator in Rivers, Nathaniel Akporuvweku, at a briefing yesterday, dismissed Nwaeke’s claim as a “joke taken too far”, noting that the matter had already been settled by a judgment delivered by Justice Sika Aprioku of the High Court of Rivers in suit No. PHC/227/FHR/2024.

Akporuvweku, however, raised concerns over the recent developments in the state, warning against witch-hunt while maintaining that the former HoS was unaware that Ehie had been accused, tried and acquitted of any involvement in the arson at the Assembly complex.

He emphasised that the court’s Fundamental Human Rights Judgment restrained security agencies from inviting or harassing Ehie on any issue connected to the arson, noting that any further investigation or action against him would be a mere witch-hunt and a ploy to scuttle the peace process.

“I think it (allegation) is very worrisome at this very critical time when the state is passing through this undemocratic arrangement. What we need to call for are things that will create stability, peace and development for Rivers.

“When the incident happened in October 2023, the police arrested some persons, arraigned them, and they were bailed because it is a bailable offence. The State High Court has judgment to the effect that the matter is concluded and settled,” he added.  Akporuvweku called on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to adopt a neutral and apolitical approach in performing his duties.