Fubara: We’ve come down from our high horses for peace in Rivers

Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers, says he has set aside pride and personal interests to restore peace in the state.

In a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, his chief press secretary (CPS), Fubara spoke on Thursday at a meeting with leaders of the Simplified Movement in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers.

Fubara said a reconciliation process is advancing towards restoring democratic order in the state.

“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices. Not just at the executive arm, but also the legislative arm,” he said.

“And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return and we will begin to work together again for the good and progress of the state. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit. We are already in the peace process.”

Fubara appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis in the south-south state.

“I don’t know how he [Tinubu] gets his information, but the truth is that he acted wisely at the right time,” he said.

“He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention and the personalities across the country who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.

“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing.

“What is important is for the state to move forward. It is not about you — the state’s interest is paramount.”

Fubara said he is reconciling with Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), whom he referred to as his boss.

“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga. There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile,” he added.

BACKGROUND

The Rivers political crisis began as a power struggle between suspended governor and Wike shortly after Fubara assumed office.

The crisis escalated, leading to a deep division within the Rivers state house of assembly and attempts to impeach Fubara.

On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.

He also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly for six months.

The president appointed Ibok-Ette Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.