Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to relinquish any influence he still seeks to exert over Rivers State, calling for peace to prevail in the oil-rich region.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Fubara defended his decision to conduct local government elections despite opposition from factions aligned with Wike in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I have all the courage to take these actions,” Fubara said, imploring Wike to release any perceived hold on the South-South state. The governor added that, despite his efforts to honor previous agreements with Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), tensions in the state have continued to escalate.
Fubara emphasized his efforts to foster peace, recounting personal attempts to resolve the dispute. “There’s nothing I haven’t done to ensure peace. I’ve even knelt down to plead for the sake of Rivers State,” he said.
When asked what his message to Wike would be if they met, Fubara stated, “I would tell him that it’s time to let go. We need peace in this state. You don’t have to win every battle. Sometimes, you let go for the greater good, for the people of Rivers State and the love you claim to have for them.”
He also noted the importance of maintaining peace beyond personal ambitions. “Fubara will eventually leave, and someone else will take over. What matters is securing the state for the future.”
‘No Need To Destroy Rivers’
The governor stressed that election season has passed, and it is now time for governance. He appealed to Wike and other political actors to prioritize stability. “To my oga (Wike), there’s no need to destroy this state. You once led Rivers State to greatness. Another person is in charge now, and they need your support. In four or eight years, I too will leave, and someone else will take over. That should be the spirit,” Fubara remarked.
He reiterated that governance requires collaboration, not conflict, and said that while election battles can be fierce, the focus now should be on moving the state forward.
Rising Violence and Political Tensions
Fubara also addressed the recent destruction of local government secretariats across Rivers State, distancing himself from the violent incidents. On Sunday, he had warned of political actors planning to disrupt the peace, a threat that materialized on Monday.
Violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas, with buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua being set ablaze, and gunfire breaking out in Ahoada East as newly sworn-in council officials assumed office. The violence followed the withdrawal of police protection at local council offices.
Despite resistance from the PDP, APC, and police, Fubara proceeded with the local government elections, in which the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 of the 23 council seats, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured one. Following the elections, Fubara immediately swore in the newly elected officials on Sunday, though some faced attacks the following day as they took office.
President Bola Tinubu has since ordered the police to restore security at the council secretariats across Rivers State to prevent further escalation.
