Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken a swipe at members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that they only exist because he recognizes them.
He made this statement while receiving a delegation of political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State, who visited him to seek an end to the political crisis in Rivers State and improved relations between both states.
Governor Fubara emphasized that he has been showing restraint since the crisis escalated, despite having the power to act otherwise. He claimed that the lawmakers are only existing because of his recognition, which is predicated on the Peace Accord initiated by President Bola Tinubu. He stated, “Those group of men who claim to be Assembly members are not Assembly members, they are not existing. I want it to be on record. I accepted that Peace Accord to give them a floating. That is the truth.”
The governor revealed that he has made sacrifices to maintain peace in the state, including attending meetings to resolve the crisis, only to be met with new dimensions of the crisis from the opposing side. He vowed to continue being peaceful, acknowledging that power is transient.
Governor Fubara also acknowledged the role of some political leaders, including his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his emergence as governor, but stated that this won’t make him “worship a man.” He attributed his emergence as divine, saying God can use anyone, including one’s enemy, to accomplish His purpose in a man’s life.
The leader of the Bayelsa delegation, Senator Henry Siriake Dickson, called for collective responsibility from Governor Fubara and his predecessor to resolve the political challenges facing Rivers State. He emphasized the importance of unity between both states, stressing that the creation of Bayelsa State should not lead to division but rather be an opportunity for mutual benefit.
Senator Dickson commended Governor Fubara for his efforts to resolve disputes between both states and lauded the President’s intervention in resolving the political tension in Rivers State. He urged leaders in Rivers State to seek wise counsel from other leaders in the state and in Bayelsa when the need arises to permanently resolve the crisis.