Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made some remarks on the ongoing political tensions with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara addressed the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and other bishops.
He acknowledged the challenges brought by the discord but noted that, unexpectedly, it has granted him greater autonomy in governing the state.
Fubara said: “God has a way of doing his things. Maybe if we had got peace, I wouldn’t be enjoying the freedom that I am enjoying today.”
“I start first in a very unusual way to say thank you. This appreciation would have come much earlier. Many of you here may not understand why I am thanking him.”
“When the crisis started, as a man of God who believes that the two main parties (Fubara and his immediate predecessor, Nyesom Wike) are people from his communion, he made several phone calls and booked several appointments but none of them was granted to him.” Fubara noted, acknowledging Ndukuba’s efforts to mediate the conflict.
He continued, “Maybe if we had got peace then, I wouldn’t be enjoying the freedom that I am enjoying today.”
The conflict has escalated beyond political disputes, sparking violent clashes between supporters of Fubara and Wike.
These confrontations have had tragic consequences, including the loss of lives, such as a police officer, raising serious concerns about the state’s stability and security.
Despite these challenges, Fubara remains resolute in his commitment to effective governance. He has called on religious leaders and the community for prayers and support, recognizing the turbulence while highlighting that it has, in turn, strengthened his independence in pushing the state forward.
“At times, God will be saying let the trouble be there so that there will be peace,” Fubara reflected.
“But that is not to say that we encourage trouble. Peace remains the best thing, both internally and externally, because it attracts development.”
