Rivers Crisis: I’m A Bit Concerned Tinubu Mentioned Only My Name, Says Fubara

The Rivers State governor has been in a running battle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for over one year.


Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed worry over President Bola Tinubu’s mention of his name in his statement on the destruction of local government secretariats in Rivers State.

Fubara was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas — with parts of the buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council premises set ablaze by rampaging political hoodlums, while gunshots were fired sporadically in Ahoada East to resist newly elected council officials on Monday.

The burning of LG secretariats followed the withdrawal of the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the police early Monday.

Though the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police opted out of the election that produced the newly elected LG chairmen, Fubara insisted that the election be held on Saturday.

The Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the oil-rich state while the Action Alliance (AA) won a seat. Fubara immediately swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday but some of the LG bosses were attacked upon assumption of office on Monday. Some council secretariats were also set ablaze by political opponents.

Late Monday, Tinubu, in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, ordered the police to secure the local government secretariats in the oil-rich state. The President also “called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law”.

Reacting to Tinubu’s statement on the crisis, Fubara said, “I do not have any issue with it (the President’s intervention) but I am a bit concerned when my name was only mentioned.

“The issue is very simple. It’s as simple as ABC, everyone in Nigeria, everyone in Rivers State knows where this issue is coming from. It’s not rocket science. We know what the issue is and the issue is not Fubara, it is not.

“I believe strongly that with the recent intervention of the Inspector General of Police, maybe we will have a breathing space.

“Maybe as a result of him pulling his men out of those secretariats might be one of the reasons they (hoodlums) took advantage of the situation but I will appeal that while the men are there, the elected officers should have the opportunity to do their work, at least, let them provide security for them, which was even what I was thinking of.

“I was never of the opinion that the police should pull out completely. No. When they said they were moving out, it was what allowed these miscreants to take advantage of the secretariats to destroy them.”

slim75d:
Why are you surprised?
They are best friends of thieves and plunderers

tundegan:
Tinubu is a true leader. He knows who to call out and when to do so.

Fubara should just be glad the president is watching his back.

CyrusVI:



Who is the State CSO?

Its unreasonable to mention Wike thats in Abuja in such case and I dont see anything wrong in what PBAT did

You are responsible for your state,bro.

Justnation:







You are daft not to know that wike sponsored the acts of violence and should have been called to order by emilokan

PrinceOfLagos:
Tinubu is the one pushing Wike because Wike wouldn't wield any power if he's not getting the federal government back up

But don't worry Mr governor, you've proven that you're not a coward like ambode

trutharena:
Fubara should just be careful. Wike is not in the picture to protect him anymore.

Zaheertyler:

And you are daft to believe everything the news says
And peoples mouth

tundegan:
Tinubu is a true leader. He knows who to call out and when to do so.

Fubara should just be glad the president is watching his back.

Zaheertyler:
Lol
I’m not trying to defend wike here but my common guyman sixth sense makes me believe that wike has no hand in the post electoral conflicts
I could be wrong but causing violence after losing isn’t a smart move by any man talk less of someone like wike
Someone wants to tarnish his image..
Mr fubara I like your courage but take it easy and don’t overdo this thing ..
I could be wrong though because I no Dey there but no be wike Dey cause all this after party

CyrusVI:



Who is the State CSO?

Its unreasonable to mention Wike thats in Abuja in such case and I dont see anything wrong in what PBAT did

You are responsible for your state,bro.

trutharena:
Fubara should just be careful. Wike is not in the picture to protect him anymore.

Confirmedzombie:
But your ipob supporters said Tinubu has left Wike handicap.

The fight has not even started. Fubara you will keep been concerned until the day you will warn ipob to stay clear from you.

Ipob are evil and hate filled.