Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has made a strong statement, expressing his determination to surprise anyone who challenges him amidst the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Fubara emphasized that he would specifically surprise those individuals who perceive his sincere commitment to implementing the presidential peace pact as a display of weakness.
Recall that the governor has been on loggerheads with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
According to reports, Wike imposed commissioners, advisers, others on Fubara who refused to acknowledge some of the appointees.
Some Federal lawmakers protested and asked president Bola Tinubu to intervene on the matter.
However, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Siminalayi Fubara addressed the media comments regarding the implementation of the peace initiative.
He acknowledged that he had received numerous comments but made a deliberate choice to remain silent, demonstrating maturity and wisdom in handling the situation.
He emphasised that the peace deal initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and accepted by all stakeholders including him was a political solution to the crisis that engulfed the State on October 30,2023.
Fubara said he only decided to immediately begin the implementation of the agreement solely because of his respect for President Tinubu.
But he observed that other political actors had taken his humility and compliance as a sign of weakness.
The Governor said: “Let me say it here for record purposes: What is happening here in our dear State is somebody who has respect for an elder.
“Mr. President invited all the parties to Abuja and came out with a resolution that we should go and implement. That resolution, I am implementing it. It is not a constitutional implementation. It is a political solution to a problem.
“And I am doing it because of the respect I have for Mr President. But, let me say it here, if that action that I have accepted to take would be seen as a weakness, I will surprise them. I want this message to go to them.”
Fubara made these statements during a visit from members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) who organized a solidarity rally at the Government House Gate in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said their large number was proof of the organic support his administration had continued to enjoy from the people of the state.
He said: “Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today, it’s not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance.
“For our people, the great and wonderful people of Rivers State, we will continue to lead you with the fear of God.
“Maturity is not about age, maturity is in the person. It is what defines the character of a person. I choose not to respond to people that I assumed are matured, but are obviously immature in attitude.
“I will continue to be mature, not minding my age, but I will not, for any reason, allow myself or anybody who is working with me in this administration to be messed with, maltreated or abused in the cause of administering this governance.”
