Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s mention of his name in the ongoing controversy surrounding the destruction of local government secretariats in Rivers State. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Governor Fubara addressed the violent clashes that erupted across four local government areas, leading to the burning of secretariats in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua, as well as gunfire in Ahoada East.
The chaos unfolded after police officers, who had been providing security at the 23 council secretariats, were withdrawn early Monday. This withdrawal came despite violent threats following the election of new local government chairmen on Saturday, an election insisted upon by Fubara, despite opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police.
The election results saw the Action People’s Party (APP) securing 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) won the remaining seat. Fubara swiftly swore in the newly elected chairmen on Sunday, but many faced violent opposition when they assumed office the following day, with political opponents setting council secretariats ablaze.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu, through his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, ordered the police to restore security at the secretariats and called on Governor Fubara and other political leaders in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
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While Fubara welcomed the President’s intervention, he voiced his concern over the singular mention of his name in Tinubu’s statement. “I do not have any issue with it (the President’s intervention), but I am a bit concerned when my name was only mentioned,” Fubara said. “The issue is not about me. Everyone in Nigeria, everyone in Rivers State knows where this issue is coming from. It’s not rocket science.”
Fubara further explained that the withdrawal of police officers from the secretariats may have provided an opening for hoodlums to carry out the destruction. “Maybe as a result of pulling his men out, these miscreants took advantage of the situation. I never supported the idea of the police pulling out completely. I believe the newly elected officers should be allowed to do their work with proper security in place.”
The governor reiterated his appeal for calm, urging political actors in Rivers State to prioritize peace and security, even amidst growing tensions.
