Fubara, Wike
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Former governors and elders of Rivers State have thrown their weight behind Governor, Siminalayi Fubara in his face-off with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Operating under the aegis of the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, RIVLEF, the group in Thursday at a news conference in Port Harcourt declared their support for Fubara in the battle for control of the state, following the escalating political tensions in the state.
The elders, led by Rufus Ada-George, a former governor of the state, lauded Fubara for demonstrating courage and maintaining a peaceful stance irrespective of unwarranted provocations by certain politicians in Rivers.
“We commend Fubara for his courage and determination in standing firm and resolute in defending the interests of the people of Rivers state,” they said.
“The governor, his team and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have been bold in upholding democracy and democratic values.’’
Ada-George also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his interventions to reduce political tensions in the state.
However, he frowned at the president for failing to call Wike to order.
“President Tinubu has called for peace and advised aggrieved political parties and individuals dissatisfied with the outcome of the local government elections to seek redress through the courts,” he noted.
“However, the failure to mention Wike, a key figure in the political crises, sends the wrong signal.’’
Ada-George added that the people had made their choices in the recently concluded local government elections, this signalling an end to the battle for political structures and influence in the state.
“The people of Rivers have now restructured and any resort to violence and arson will not benefit us,” he added.
“Therefore, we call on the police to promptly implement President Tinubu’s directive to secure local government offices, maintain law and order and protect lives and property.”
Furthermore, Ada-George further commended residents of the state for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the elections.
A former deputy governor in Rivers, Dr Gariel Toby, expressed confidence in the ability of the police to maintain peace in the state.
He also affirmed the forum’s trust in the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties regardless of concerns about police partisanship before the elections.
Members of the Forum cuts across eminent dignitaries in the state, including retired Rear Adm. Ochegomie Fingesi, former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, retired Group Capt. John Kalio, former Military Administrator of Yobe, Sen. Andrew Uchendu, foremost environmental and rights activist, Annkio Briggs, and Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, among others.
