Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to relinquish any lingering influence over Rivers State and allow peace to prevail.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Fubara defended his decision to conduct local government elections the previous Saturday, despite opposition from Wike’s allies in both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I have all the guts to do this,” Fubara stated, urging Wike to release his hold over the state, stressing that peace must be prioritised for the sake of Rivers State’s future.
The governor highlighted his efforts to maintain a peaceful relationship with Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that despite his repeated attempts to mediate and resolve the conflict, tensions have only escalated.
“I’ve done everything for peace,” Fubara said, “I’ve knelt and begged for this issue to be resolved, but it has gone on long enough.”
When asked what he would say to Wike if they met, Fubara responded, “It’s time to let go. Peace is essential. You don’t have to win every battle; sometimes you let go for the good of the state and the people you love.”
Fubara emphasised that while leaders come and go, the stability and security of the state must remain a priority. He urged Wike to allow the current administration to govern and secure the state for future generations.
“There’s no need to destroy Rivers,” Fubara remarked, appealing for peace in the wake of the contentious local elections. He noted that the election period was over, and it was time to focus on governance.
He also addressed the recent violent incidents in Rivers State, where several local government secretariats were set ablaze by political hoodlums following the elections. Fubara stressed that he had no involvement in the destruction and had earlier warned of potential unrest.
Despite opposition from the PDP, APC, and the police, Fubara proceeded with the election, which saw the Action People’s Party (APP) win 22 out of 23 local government chairmanship positions, with the remaining seat going to the Action Alliance (AA).
The newly elected officials were sworn in on Sunday, but many faced violent attacks upon assuming office, leading President Bola Tinubu to order heightened security for the state’s local government secretariats.