Opobo Community Backs Governor Fubara for Second Term
The people of Opobo, the hometown of Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, have expressed their strong support for his second term in office ahead of the 2027 elections. This call was made by the Opobo Progressive Movement (OPM) in response to statements from the Ogoni and Oyigbo People’s Assembly (OOPA), advocating for the next governor to come from the Ogoni ethnic group.
OPM Rejects Calls for Ogoni Governor
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, OPM President Ambassador Freedom Owujie criticized the remarks from OOPA, describing them as divisive and counterproductive. According to Owujie, these statements undermine the political influence of the Opobo community, a minority group in the state, and could disrupt the established political traditions.
“Such divisive rhetoric is harmful and only serves to weaken the unity of our state,” Owujie remarked. “These comments show a blatant disregard for His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and an attempt to belittle the role of the Opobo people in Rivers State politics.”
Political Significance of Opobo Community
Though relatively small in population, the Opobo community plays a significant role in the political landscape of Rivers State. Owujie emphasized that the size of a group does not solely determine its political influence, and warned against any attempt to marginalize the Opobo people in the state's affairs.
“Although we are few in number, we should not be underestimated,” Owujie continued. “Political influence is not determined by size, but by action. The Opobo people may not be loud, but we are decisive, and we will resist any group that attempts to prevent our son from completing his tenure.”
Historical Tensions Between Ogonis and Ijaws
Reflecting on the political history between the Ogoni and Ijaw ethnic groups, Owujie suggested that Ogoni dissatisfaction may stem from their unsuccessful attempts to block the election of an Ijaw governor in 2019. This led to the eventual election of Governor Fubara, an Opobo native, in 2023.
He urged the Ogoni group to focus on unity rather than reigniting ethnic tensions that could hinder the progress of Rivers State.
Call for Governor Fubara to Secure Political Future
Owujie concluded by calling on Governor Fubara to take proactive steps to secure his political future and counter any emerging threats to his second-term bid.
“Governor Fubara should remain vigilant and take decisive actions to ensure that the people of Opobo, and by extension, Rivers State, continue to benefit from his leadership,” Owujie urged. "We are confident that he will follow in the footsteps of past governors who have served their full terms, and we will support him every step of the way."
The Opobo Progressive Movement remains firm in its commitment to defending the political rights of its people and ensuring Governor Fubara completes his tenure successfully
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