In a recent development, Simnalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, has expressed his readiness to make any sacrifice, including relinquishing his office, to ensure peace prevails in the state. The Governor, who has been embroiled in a protracted dispute with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated that he would not allow his personal ambitions to compromise the tranquillity of the people.
Efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis escalated following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. However, the outcome of this intervention was met with mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some welcomed the presidential intervention, others perceived it as an attempt to appease Wike rather than affirm the authority of the state governor.
In a recent interview with AIT, Governor Fubara expressed his genuine affection for the residents of Rivers. He said, “’No sacrifice will be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration, and the reason is very simple. It is not political love, it is not because I want to gain any favour from anybody. My interest and love for our dear state is genuine. I am not trying to say I want to be one man that is there to decide the fate of all. No.”
The Governor, reflecting on the numerous confrontations he had with Wike since the feud began, emphasised that the entire debacle was not about him but about the people who turned out in 2023 to vote him into office. He said, “My burden at the time wasn’t the issue of all the drama. It was the millions of Rivers people who had made sacrifices, who had seen opportunity and it looked as if their hope had been dashed. Those were the ones I was worried about, what will be their fate.”
Governor Fubara also revealed that he welcomed Tinubu’s intervention in the interest of the people of Rivers, not out of fear or pressure. He said, ‘’If leaving this position is what is needed to bring more peace to the state, I can even tell them to come and take it. It is not about me. Definitely, I will go but Rivers State will still remain.”
In February, Vice President Kashim Shettima made an attempt to reconcile Wike and Fubara during a Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. This move, which saw Shettima requesting Wike to greet his former boss at the FEC meeting, was applauded by many Nigerians.
In the meantime, several groups in the state have rallied behind Governor Fubara, calling on Wike to sheathe his sword.