Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has voiced his unease regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments, which singled him out in the context of the destruction of local government secretariats in the state.
This statement came during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Monday.
Violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas, leading to the burning of buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua, while sporadic gunfire was reported in Ahoada East as political hoodlums resisted newly elected council officials.
The violence followed the withdrawal of police officers who had been securing the 23 council secretariats.
In the recent elections, the Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed the remaining seat.
Fubara had sworn in the newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday, but some faced immediate attacks upon taking office.
In response to the escalating violence, President Tinubu ordered the police to reinforce security at the local government offices and urged Fubara and other political leaders to maintain order and uphold the law.
Reflecting on Tinubu’s statement, Fubara remarked, “I have no issues with the President’s intervention, but I am concerned that only my name was mentioned. It’s clear to everyone in Nigeria and Rivers State where the real issues lie; it is not about me.”
He emphasized the importance of police presence for the elected officials to perform their duties safely, arguing that the withdrawal of security had allowed chaos to ensue.
Fubara concluded by expressing hope that the intervention from the Inspector General of Police would provide a necessary respite from the violence, stressing the need for a stable environment for governance.
