Promoters of Good Governance Hold President Tinubu Responsible for Shifting Focus from Wike to Fubara
Governor Fubara Expresses Concerns Over Tinubu’s Remarks
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has voiced his dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s response to the recent political unrest in the state, highlighting what he perceives as a selective focus on his name in the President’s statements. The unrest, marked by the destruction of several local government secretariats, prompted President Tinubu to call for restraint among political actors in Rivers State.
In a statement released by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu specifically mentioned Governor Fubara while urging local leaders to maintain peace and the rule of law. Fubara, during an interview on Channels TV, expressed his displeasure with the President’s approach, noting that the crisis goes beyond his administration.
“I have no issues with the President's intervention, but I am concerned that my name was singled out. The problems in Rivers State are well-known to both the people and the country. This is not just about me—it is about much deeper issues,” Fubara remarked.
Political Tension Escalates Amid Violent Unrest
The violent incidents in Rivers State, which saw local government buildings in areas like Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua set ablaze, occurred amidst political disputes surrounding the installation of newly elected council officials. The unrest was also marked by exchanges of gunfire, further intensifying the situation.
While President Tinubu urged local leaders to uphold the rule of law and called on the police to restore order, Governor Fubara criticized the actions of the police in the days leading up to the violence. He suggested that the police’s withdrawal from key areas had left a power vacuum that allowed criminal elements to exploit the situation.
“When the police withdrew their officers from the secretariats, it created a gap that emboldened hoodlums to act. This was a contributing factor to the chaos,” Fubara explained.
Federal Influence and Allegations Against Wike
Governor Fubara also pointed to external influences as a key factor in the escalating tension. He insinuated that actions taken by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, were at the root of the unrest. Fubara cautioned President Tinubu against tacitly endorsing the divisive actions of Wike, stating that such support would only deepen instability in the state.
“The people of Rivers State want peace, and we remain committed to fulfilling our God-given mandate to govern. However, we cannot stand by as political interference from the President's associates threatens to undo our efforts,” Fubara asserted.
Call for Federal Non-Interference in Rivers State Affairs
In his concluding remarks, Governor Fubara urged the federal government to allow the people of Rivers State to manage their own affairs without undue interference. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting stability and progress in the state and expressed confidence that the promoters of good governance would continue to stand by him.
“We will not tolerate blame-shifting or external meddling. Rivers State deserves to govern itself without interference, and we will continue to pursue peace and development,” Fubara emphasized.
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