Rivers Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in the political crisis rocking the state, saying it led to quick resolution of the matter.
In a statement he personally signed at the weekend titled ‘Peace is Priceless’, the governor described President Tinubu’s role in the dispute as fatherly.
He said: “I wish to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his fatherly intervention which opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering crises. I wish to also thank our elders, who are currently intervening in the matter”.
Fubara, who described himself as a man of peace, said his roles in all the events were designed to ensure the stability and progress of the state.
Narrating the events, he said: “I consider it necessary to issue this press statement on the developments of the past few days in our dear state.
“Late on Sunday night, 29th October 2023, I was inundated with reports that the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been gutted by fire. the blaze was successfully put out by the fire service, after which security agencies took control of the situation.
“My visit to the Assembly complex on Monday, 30th October 2023 was to assess the level of damage and undertake remedial measures to protect lives and property within the Assembly complex. I charged the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and report to me.
“Shortly after, I got reports that the state house of assembly had broken into two factions: one claiming to have impeached and suspended the house leader and three others preparatory to initiating an impeachment action against me, and the other rival faction impeaching the speaker and deputy speaker, thus sparking off some form of political crisis.
“Let me clearly state that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state. I am a man of peace and as governor, the advancement of our state is my primary concern. Consequently, no sacrifice is too much for me to make to achieve this objective”.
The governor said that it remained the collective responsibility of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike and himself to leverage their positions to advance the progress of the state.
He said: “Furthermore, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Chief (Barrister) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, GSSRS, Life Bencher and my humble self, to leverage on our positions and influences within and outside the state to advance the progress, security and well-being of our people.
“We must therefore not allow circumstances that could retard all efforts at achieving greatness for our people to prevail. On my part, I am always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother governors and the elders”.
Fubara apologised to the people of the state over the tension that gripped the state describing it as regrettable.
He said: “I assure the good people and youths of Rivers State, that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security, progress and development of our state.
“As Governor, I sincerely apologise to the good people of Rivers State for the regrettable anxieties of the last few days, while thanking you all for your concerns, and continued support, love, and prayers”.
The political tempo of the state became charged last week when attempts were made to commence an impeachment process against the governor, while the state House of Assembly, which went on fire on Sunday night, witnessed leadership changes.
