Governor Siminalayi Fubara urges his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to relinquish control over Rivers State for peace. Despite facing violent opposition after recent local government elections, Fubara emphasizes the importance of governance and unity, while President Tinubu has ordered police to secure affected areas following unrest.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to relinquish any control over Rivers State to foster peace in the oil-rich region. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fubara expressed confidence in his decision to hold recent local government elections, despite pushback from Wike’s supporters in both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I have all the guts to do these things,” Fubara asserted, urging Wike to step back for the greater good of Rivers State. He emphasized the importance of securing the state, stating that leadership is temporary, and peace must prevail for future governance.
Fubara reflected on his efforts to maintain harmony, sharing that he had repeatedly sought an understanding with federal officials to mitigate escalating tensions. “I have done everything for peace to reign,” he said, underscoring his commitment to stability.
Following the recent elections, which saw the Action People’s Party (APP) secure 22 out of 23 local government positions, violence erupted in several areas, resulting in the burning of council secretariats. Fubara denounced the chaos, clarifying that he is not responsible for the unrest. He urged all parties, including Wike, to prioritize governance over conflict, advocating for unity and support in these challenging times.
President Bola Tinubu has since ordered increased police presence to secure the affected local government areas in a bid to restore order.
