Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, has reportedly retaliated against President Bola Tinubu’s assertions and contested the rationale behind the state of emergency proclamation in the oil-rich state, according to Daily Trust.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
President Tinubu had announced the emergency rule, suspending Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months while appointing a sole administrator. In his nationwide broadcast, Tinubu accused Fubara of failing to rebuild the demolished Assembly complex and turning a blind eye to militant activities threatening national security.
In a swift rebuttal through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara dismissed the allegations, calling them misleading and a result of misinformation fed to the presidency.
“The claim that the governor did nothing to deter militants is false. It is equally untrue that he abandoned the Assembly complex. Construction of a new, state-of-the-art legislative building is already 80% complete,” the statement read.
Fubara shifted the spotlight to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to him, Wike’s controversial remarks about the Ijaw people played a significant role in escalating tensions.
“It is on record that Wike publicly dismissed the Ijaws as a powerless minority. His refusal to apologize fueled anger among key Niger Delta stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth groups, and militants,” Fubara’s statement added.
The embattled governor also accused Wike’s loyalists of instigating violence in the state while his own supporters remained peaceful. He pointed to documented instances where local government secretariats were attacked by Wike’s camp without retaliation from his side.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to security and economic stability, highlighting his administration’s investments in law enforcement.
“From providing gunboats and helicopters to security agencies to ensuring oil pipelines are protected, my government has consistently worked to maintain peace,” he asserted.
While Tinubu’s emergency declaration stands, legal and political analysts argue that the judiciary may still have a say in the unfolding saga. Meanwhile, the battle for control of Rivers State continues, with Fubara standing his ground against what he calls a politically motivated takeover.
As tensions rise, Nigerians watch closely to see how the power struggle between Fubara, Wike, and the presidency will unfold.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
