From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has disbanded all friendly pressure groups formed during the political crisis, including the Simplified Movement.
The move is part of efforts to ensure that the members of Fubara’s political family and those loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) embrace the reintegration process agreed upon in the presence of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor gave the directive when he addressed a meeting of stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Saturday, saying that for him, there is no going back on the implementation of the peace plan.
According to him, “One thing is important: we have to be alive before we can be hopeful. So, the key is that we are alive and there is hope.
“On May 29, I did inform you that we are in the peace process, and that it is ongoing. I can confirm that some of the pictures you have been seeing on social and conventional media are the outcome of the peace process. I called for this meeting to address you formally so you can have first-hand information on the peace process.”
Fubara recalled that Wike had contributed immensely to his emergence as governor, remembering with great concern how supporters of the FCT minister and those close to him worked together before the crisis to win the 2023 election.
Reiterating his commitment to peace, Governor Fubara disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had personally intervened, giving a clear directive that both he and his Oga must reconcile for the sake of Rivers State.
He said, “In one of the meetings with Mr President, he clearly said: ‘I want you and your Oga to settle’. Nobody can take away the role he played. Nobody here can say he or she does not know the risks he took, and sacrifices he made. And if today, there is need for us to settle, why shouldn’t we settle for the peace and progress of the State? It is the right thing to do. And I am committed to it.
“You cannot take away the fact that he (Wike) may be feeling hurt. He is a human being. So, I know how it feels. And if he says, because of what I have gone through, these are things I want. Of course, I will give it to him so we can have peace. We have to make tough sacrifices and concessions for the peace of the State,” he added.
He acknowledged that some of the reports in the media have been grossly exaggerated and admitted that he has fully reconciled with the FCT Minister Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
The governor confirmed that, given what has played out between them, Wike may not be obliged to support him after he serves out his first tenure.
Fubara further affirmed that he would not struggle over the control of local councils in the state if such an offer would consolidate the peace effort.
The governor urged his supporters to back the peace deal, describing it as the option which would put the State on a progressive path and lead to the return of normalcy.
He reiterated that no price is too big to pay to ensure that Rivers people have a peaceful environment which inspires development, growth, and progress.
He said: “If you genuinely believe in this struggle, you will know that we have done what we need to do. At this point, if you want to be truthful to yourself, you will admit that the only solution is peace. I have said it repeatedly that there is no price too big to pay for peace in the State. I meant it. And I am still ready to follow through on it to the end.”
