Rivers Crisis: Why Mention Only My Name – Fubara Questions Tinubu’s Statement
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Monday stated that he had no objections to President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in addressing the escalating crisis in Rivers State, which has led to the destruction of several local government secretariats.
However, he expressed concern over the fact that the President specifically mentioned his name in the statement responding to the crisis.
Fubara made it clear that he is not responsible for the unrest in the state. Violent clashes had broken out earlier that day in some local government areas after the police withdrew officers from the 23 council secretariats, and newly elected local government chairmen attempted to assume office.
In some cases, political opponents set council secretariats on fire, while gunfire erupted in other locations.
Following these events, President Tinubu, through his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, directed the police to secure the local government offices and urged Governor Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters to exercise restraint.
During a Monday night interview on Channels TV, Fubara welcomed the President’s intervention but questioned why his name alone was highlighted in the statement.
He noted that it was clear to everyone in Rivers State and Nigeria who was behind the violence, and reiterated that he was not the cause of the problem.
Fubara also pointed out that the police withdrawal created an opening for hoodlums to exploit the situation. He stated, “I don’t have any issue with the President’s intervention, but I am concerned that only my name was mentioned.
“This issue is straightforward, and everyone knows where the violence is coming from. It’s not about Fubara,” he emphasized.
The governor expressed hope that with the recent intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, order could be restored.
He suggested that the withdrawal of police officers from the secretariats contributed to the chaos, allowing miscreants to damage the buildings. Fubara added, “I was never in favor of a complete police withdrawal. I believe the police should stay to provide security, especially for the newly elected officers so they can perform their duties.”
