Amidst the unending political skirmishes that have rocked the Rivers State, the South-South Chiefs, elders, and opinion leaders have asked the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike to allow peace to reign in the State.
The groups expressed concern over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has hinder development.
They also urged Wike, whom they described as ‘Oga in Abuja’, to respect the rule of law and to acknowledge the fact that he is no longer governor.
The groups asked that he should allow his successor, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to focus on governance.
The groups who spoke under the auspices of the South-South Chiefs, Elders, and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria, frowned at the political skirmishes. They lamented that governance is suffering in Rivers because the Governor is being distracted by forces opposed to his success.
The groups concerns were articulated by the the National Chairman of the Association, Dr. Omubo Harry, in a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Speaking on the crisis riddled PDP in the State, Harry stressed that those who have left the party should not seek to destroy it. He maintained that they should leave it for others to manage.
He said, “The plight of good governance in Rivers State is a complex issue. Deeply rooted in ethnic politics and identity. Rivers State is a multi-ethnic society. And this pluralism poses a significant challenge to good governance.
“Ethnic loyalty and local affiliations often override state consciousness, leading to a decline and inconclusive governance.”
“In Rivers State, patron-clientism and money politics have hindered the achievement of good governance. And have become dominant characteristics of Rivers State politics. Where elected officials and government workers use their positions for personal gain. Benefiting themselves, their supporters, and members of their ethnic group.
“To address this challenge in Rivers State, there is a need for a shift away from ethnic politics. We are advocating for good governance with discipline. And I am pleased that we have a leader with grassroots experience in governance.”
Harry, therefore, commended Governor Fubara for his peaceful disposition despite numerous provocations. He emphasized that the former governor served for eight years and that power is meant to rotate.
“I am referring to no other person than the current governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. I respectfully urge the former administration to respect the rule of law. Power is meant to rotate,” Dr. Harry said.
Speaking on the capability and experience of the governor, Harry noted that Fubara, as a former civil servant who rose through the ranks, understands the plight of workers. And he and is sensitive to the needs of the people.
He, therefore, added that Fubara should be given the opportunity to manage the state’s resources and implement his plans.
“Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated competence from his time as a civil servant. Only a civil servant truly understands government. Not all politicians are the same. To be served, one must first serve. And Governor Fubara has done so as a civil servant.
“He understands the problems of the people and is addressing them. In just over a year, he has achieved a lot. Including the Ring Road project, empowerment, and employment initiatives,” Harry said.
The groups Chairman, also appealed to those who have left the PDP to allow the party to remain peaceful. He asked those who have served their terms to give Fubara a chance. So, he could implement his ideas and deliver the benefits of good governance.
“It is God Almighty who brought Fubara to power, and no one can remove him. We cannot allow a few greedy individuals to disrupt democracy in our State. Or impose poverty for personal gain. We demand that the right thing be done. Mr. Oga in Abuja, please allow Governor Fubara to work.
“As I said earlier, no one has a monopoly on wisdom except God. And what God has ordained should not be undone by man. We, the traditional rulers and well-meaning individuals present, say enough is enough. It is unjust to hinder progress when someone is trying to serve the people,” he said.
“Development and peace are needed in this State. The Government House is not personal property. It is a matter of turn by turn. Currently, it is Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s turn. And he is a peace-loving individual dedicated to serving the people and fostering effective socio-economic development in Rivers State.”
“Leadership involves credible execution of trust. And Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, in the past year and three months, governed effectively. He has promoted stability, economic growth, development, and human welfare. This is evident in his actions since becoming governor. He is working to reduce poverty, upgrade hospitals, improve roads, and promote empowerment,” Harry stated.
source: PUNCH
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