Northern Elders Speak Out: A Message To President Tinubu On The Rivers State Crisis

The Situation in Rivers State: Sim Fubara Responds to Tinubu's Allegations

Let me tell you what's really going on here. The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has come out swinging after President Bola Tinubu made some pretty bold accusations during a nationwide broadcast. In that broadcast, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, and it's been quite the drama ever since.

Naija News has reported that President Tinubu didn’t just stop at declaring the state of emergency; he went ahead and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers House of Assembly for six months. That's a big move, folks, and it's got everyone talking.

During his address, President Tinubu laid out what he sees as the governor’s shortcomings in handling the ongoing crisis in the state. He even went as far as appointing a sole administrator to take over the reins of the state. Here's what Tinubu had to say:

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“It’s no secret that the Governor of Rivers State, for reasons that don’t make much sense, demolished the State House of Assembly back in December 2023. And here we are, fourteen months later, and that building still hasn’t been rebuilt. I’ve personally tried to mediate between the parties involved to bring about a peaceful resolution, but my efforts have largely been ignored,” Tinubu stated.

Fubara Strikes Back: Denying the Allegations

But Governor Fubara isn’t taking this lying down. In a statement released on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara hit back hard, calling out what he says are false allegations. He insists that the claim about abandoning the Rivers State House of Assembly complex is completely false, pointing out that the new complex is nearly 80% complete.

Fubara also refutes the idea that he's done nothing to stop criminal groups and militants from threatening oil installations. Instead, he points a finger at Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, blaming him for stoking tensions with controversial remarks about the Ijaw community. According to Fubara, Wike refused to apologize for his comments, which only fueled the situation further.

Let’s dive deeper into what Fubara had to say:

“There’s also this claim floating around that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly, the governor did nothing to rebuild it. Normally, we’d just let these statements slide, assuming they’re based on a lack of proper information reaching the Presidency. But now, it’s crucial to set the record straight and correct the misleading impression these narratives are creating in the minds of Nigerians,” Fubara explained.

“First things first, Governor Fubara had nothing to do with any threats from militants, nor did he ‘telegraph’ any reported attacks on oil facilities in the state. It’s all on record that the reaction from stakeholders in the Niger Delta—elders, chiefs, the Ijaw National Congress, and even the militants—was sparked by remarks made by the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, during a live media chat. He dismissed the Ijaws as a powerless minority, saying that other groups like the Ogonis and Ikwerres could also blow up pipelines. Many Ijaw groups and leaders demanded an apology, which he refused to give,” Fubara continued.

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Commitment to Peace and Security

But Governor Fubara didn’t stop there. He went on to highlight his administration's commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state. He pointed out that on numerous occasions, including major public events, he has emphasized the importance of protecting oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure in Rivers State. His administration has invested heavily in improving the welfare and operational capabilities of security forces in the state, providing them with everything from livable accommodations to vehicles, gunboats, and even helicopters to enhance their efficiency.

“Since taking office as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized peace and good governance. This dedication has significantly contributed to the increase in oil production and revenues for the country. The continuous rise in revenue accruing from the state into the Federation Account over the months is proof of that,” Fubara stated.

And as for the demolition of the old Assembly Complex? Fubara insists that it was done based on professional advice and with the intention of building a state-of-the-art facility. He reminded everyone that the former governor, now Minister Wike, had long criticized the poor condition of the old Assembly building, even rejecting requests to rebuild it. After expert reports confirmed the building's poor state, Governor Fubara decided to demolish it and start fresh. Today, the new Assembly Complex is nearly 80% complete.

“Let’s be clear: Governor Fubara acted on sound advice and guidance. The decision to demolish the old Assembly Complex and rebuild a modern facility was made in response to the long-standing demands of the lawmakers for a more conducive legislative environment. It’s important to note that this new complex is well underway, and it’s going to be something the state can truly be proud of,” Fubara concluded.