Rivers State: Fubara preaches peace, apologises over political drama with Wike

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for peace as he apologised to the people of the state over the recent political face-off that has generated mixed reactions across Nigeria.

The embattled state governor, in a statement on Saturday, described the crisis as “regrettable anxieties,” while highlighting the need to make sacrifices for peace to prevail in the state.

Fubara also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in the rancour with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The statement reads, “My dear good people of Rivers State, I consider it necessary to issue this press statement on the developments of the past few days in our dear state.

“Late on Sunday, October 29, 2023, I was inundated with reports that the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been gutted by fire. The blaze was successfully put out by the fire service, after which security agencies took control of the situation.

“My visit to the assembly complex on Monday, October 30, 2023, was to assess the level of damage and undertake remedial measures to protect lives and property within the assembly complex. I charged the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and report it to me.

“Shortly after, I got reports that the state House of Assembly had broken into two factions: one claiming to have impeached and suspended the House Leader and three others preparatory to initiating an impeachment action against me, and the other rival faction impeaching the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, thus sparking off some form of political crisis.

“I wish to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his fatherly intervention, which opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering crises. I wish to also thank our elders who are currently intervening in the matter.”

Fubara added, “Let me clearly state that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state. I am a man of peace and as governor, the advancement of our state is my primary concern.

“We must, therefore, not allow circumstances that could retard all efforts at achieving greatness for our people to prevail.

“On our part, we are always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother governors and the elders.

“I assure the people of Rivers State that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security and progress of our state.”

“Consequently, no sacrifice is too much for me to make to achieve this objective. Furthermore, as leaders, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and my humble self, to leverage our positions and influences within and outside the state to advance the progress, security and well-being of our people.