Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied claims that his recent decisions in the state’s political crisis were driven by fear, adding instead that they were solely motivated by a pursuit of peace for Rivers people.
In a New Year’s speech to the state, delivered at the inaugural State Banquet at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara addressed the recent resignation of Edison Ehie from the factional Speakership of the State Assembly, describing it as “an essential step towards lasting harmony.”
This move comes in the wake of a December 18th truce meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu, where Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, agreed to an eight-point resolution to quell the tension in the state. The resolution, signed by both factions along with key political figures, stipulated the immediate withdrawal of all court cases related to the crisis.
Among other terms, the resolution also directed Governor Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget bill, initially presented to a limited House of Assembly, to the full legislative body.
He said, “Every decision that we have taken is not borne out of fear but because we have the interest of our people and we have respect for elders.
“I’m appealing to every one of us to embrace peace. We need this peace because our intention for the state is not for our interest but for the development of the state.
“So when we are faced with this type of situation we consider the actions and reactions. Who is going to suffer? Fubara will not suffer, but one million supporters will suffer.”
” I want to leave you with only this message, we will not disappoint you. We also will not be involved in any dirty fighting because we know that we are going to be the losers.
“Therefore, whatever it will take as seen in our decisions, yesterday (Sunday) a lot of people were worried about why would the Speaker resign. It is to tell you what we can do for peace to reign, ” Fubara stated.
