CurrentReport Blog In a recent interview, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State expressed his willingness to relinquish his office for the sake of enduring peace in the state. This declaration comes amidst a political crisis between Fubara and the former governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stemming from political differences.
Over the past two months, the power struggle in Rivers State has escalated dramatically, causing tension and anxiety among residents. President Bola Tinubu intervened to defuse the situation. The crisis included allegations that Wike demanded a percentage of Rivers’ revenue, though he denies these claims. Furthermore, there was an attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara, culminating in the bombing of the State House of Assembly complex, with Wike accusing Fubara of orchestrating the attack.
In a surprising turn of events, twenty-seven members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in an effort to impeach the governor. Tinubu stepped in to broker peace between Wike and Fubara, which some perceived as placing Fubara at a disadvantage.
Despite the challenges, Governor Fubara emphasized his commitment to the success of the administration and the welfare of Rivers’ residents. He stated, “No sacrifice would be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration.”
“My burden at that time was not the issue of all the drama, it is the issue of Rivers people who have made sacrifice, who are seeing opportunity, and it looks as if their hope has been dashed. They were the one I was worried about; what would be their fate, that was my trouble, it was not about me.
“If leaving this position is what I need or what is needed to bring more peace to the State, I can even tell you to come and take it. It’s not about me. People should know although definitely I am here, I will go but Rivers State will remain.
“I’m the governor, there are things I could have done and there would be total crisis but the ability to restrain in the face of crisis even when you have the power to do things is maturity” He said.
