South-South Chiefs, elders, and opinion leaders have expressed concern over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and have called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to allow peace to prevail in the state.
They also urged Wike, whom they described as ‘Oga in Abuja’, to respect the rule of law and acknowledge that he is no longer governor. They stressed that he should allow his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, to focus on governance.
Speaking under the auspices of the South-South Chiefs, Elders, and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria, they stated that governance is suffering in Rivers because Fubara is being distracted by forces opposed to his success.
The National Chairman of the Association, Dr Omubo Harry, made these comments at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Commenting on the crisis affecting the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Harry asserted that those who have left the party should not seek to destroy it but should leave it for others to manage.
He said, “The plight of good governance in Rivers State is a complex issue deeply rooted in ethnic politics and identity. Rivers State is a multi-ethnic society, and this pluralism poses a significant challenge to good governance.
“Ethnic loyalty and local affiliations often override state consciousness, leading to a decline and inconclusive governance.”
While noting that good governance is characterised by participatory democracy, human development, and accountability, he remarked that the situation in Rivers is different.
“In Rivers State, patron-clientism and money politics have hindered the achievement of good governance and have become dominant characteristics of Rivers State politics, where elected officials and government workers use their positions for personal gain, benefiting themselves, their supporters, and members of their ethnic group.
“To address this challenge in Rivers State, there is a need for a shift away from ethnic politics. We are advocating for good governance with discipline, and I am pleased that we have a leader with grassroots experience in governance.”
He commended Governor Fubara for his peaceful disposition despite numerous provocations, emphasising that the former governor served for eight years and that power is meant to rotate.
“I am referring to no other person than the current governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. I respectfully urge the former administration to respect the rule of law. Power is meant to rotate,” Dr Harry said.
He noted that Fubara, a former civil servant who rose through the ranks, understands the plight of workers and is sensitive to the needs of the people. He added that Fubara should be given the opportunity to manage the state’s resources and implement his plans.
The association chairman stated, “Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated competence from his time as a civil servant. Only a civil servant truly understands government. Not all politicians are the same. To be served, one must first serve, and Governor Fubara has done so as a civil servant.
“He understands the problems of the people and is addressing them. In just over a year, he has achieved a lot, including the Ring Road project, empowerment, and employment initiatives.”
He appealed to those who have left the PDP to allow the party to remain peaceful. He also asked those who have served their terms to give Fubara a chance to implement his ideas and deliver the benefits of good governance.
“It is God Almighty who brought Fubara to power, and no one can remove him. We cannot allow a few greedy individuals to disrupt democracy in our state or impose poverty for personal gain. We demand that the right thing be done. Mr Oga in Abuja, please allow Governor Fubara to work. As I said earlier, no one has a monopoly on wisdom except God, and what God has ordained should not be undone by man. We, the traditional rulers and well-meaning individuals present, say enough is enough. It is unjust to hinder progress when someone is trying to serve the people,” he said.
He added, “Development and peace are needed in this state. The Government House is not personal property. It is a matter of turn by turn. Currently, it is Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s turn, and he is a peace-loving individual dedicated to serving the people and fostering effective socio-economic development in Rivers State.”
He concluded, “Leadership involves credible execution of trust, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, in the past year and three months, governed effectively, promoting stability, economic growth, development, and human welfare. This is evident in his actions since becoming governor. He is working to reduce poverty, upgrade hospitals, improve roads, and promote empowerment.”
Other members of the association present at the event included HRM Dr E.J Olotu, HRH Rufus Abaridote, HRH Tamana Morris, National Woman Leader Amb. Catherine Oghide, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Maurice Ekpeyong, among others.
