Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has revealed that his disagreements with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, stem from issues of power control within the state. In a recent interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Fubara discussed the growing violence in Rivers State, which included the burning of two local government secretariats.
Fubara explained that some individuals close to him have been targeted for arrest following the recent violence. When asked about the decline in his relationship with Wike, he stated, “Honestly, I won’t want to discuss this here; but for those who know the issue, it’s very simple; it’s about power control.” He emphasized that the situation in Rivers State should not be complicated by personal disagreements.
Fubara questioned the need for obstruction of newly elected local government officials, stating, “If elections have held in Rivers State and council chairmen have been inaugurated, do we need anybody to go obstruct them from entering the secretariats? Maybe there is somebody somewhere who still believes he is above and high than the authority in the state.” He indicated that the core issue is indeed about power.
While maintaining his stance on governance, Fubara expressed his desire to focus on managing the state effectively. “I don’t want to discuss it and I don’t want to join issues with that. I want to focus on governance and manage the situation as much as I can. That is what is important to me,” he said.
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Fubara also addressed concerns regarding whether he had breached any agreements made with Wike before taking office. He firmly stated, “I don’t think there is any understanding that I have not kept. There is no understanding we have that I have not kept. That is the truth.”
In a call for unity, Fubara urged all parties to set aside their differences. “What I feel is that everyone should shelve their sword, even the minister, my oga. There is no need to destroy Rivers,” he stated. He reminded viewers that Wike once governed the state and now it is his turn to lead. “What you need is to give him support. After four or eight years, I will also leave. Another person will take the government,” he added.
Fubara concluded by encouraging a spirit of cooperation and support among political leaders in the state. He noted, “When it comes to election period, you can fight, but now it’s time for governance. We need all the support.”