- By Kamil Opeyemi
Governor of Rivers state, Sim Fubara, on Saturday expressed regrets over the turmoil that engulfed the state for days over battle for the control of the political structure of state.
NPO Reports that Rivers state capital PortHarcourt had been ridden with crisis since last sunday when a section of the state House of Assembly was burnt by thugs.
The governor, while walking to the `complex to inspect the level of damage with his supporters and aide, was shot at while policemen also used water canon to pour water on him.
The governor had immediately sacked his Chief Security Officer as well as the Head of Protocol.
He had also been reported to sack the Chief Judge of the state and the chairmen of the local government areas in the state. The governor however later denied sacking the two.
In the statement released on Saturday, he apologised to the people of the state for the crisis that happened just as he called on the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike to come together and let them use their influences fof the good of the state and not anything detrimental to their peace.
SEE HIS FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
“My dear good people of Rivers State, I consider it necessary to issue this press statement on the developments of the past few days in our dear state
“Late on Sunday, October 29, 2023, I was inundated with reports that the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been gutted by fire. The blaze was successfully put out by the fire service, after which security agencies took control of the situation.
“My visit to the assembly complex on Monday, October 30, 2023, was to assess the level of damage and undertake remedial measures to protect lives and property within the assembly complex. I charged the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and report it to me.
“Shortly after, I got reports that the state House of Assembly had broken into two factions: one claiming to have impeached and suspended the House Leader and three others preparatory to initiating an impeachment action against me, and the other rival faction impeaching the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, thus sparking off some form of political crisis.
“I wish to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his fatherly intervention which opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering crises. I wish to also thank our elders who are currently intervening in the matter.”
Fubara continued, “Let me clearly state that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state. I am a man of peace and as governor, the advancement of our state is my primary concern.
“Consequently, no sacrifice is too much for me to make to achieve this objective. Furthermore, as leaders, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and my humble self, to leverage our positions and influences within and outside the state to advance the progress, security and well-being of our people.
“We must, therefore, not allow circumstances that could retard all efforts at achieving greatness for our people to prevail.
“On our part, we are always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother governors and the elders.
“I assure the people of Rivers State that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security and progress of our state.”
“As governor, I sincerely apologise to the good people of Rivers State for the regrettable anxieties of the last few days, while thanking you all for your concerns, and continued support, love, and prayers. May God continue to bless our dear Rivers State,” he prayed.