Fubara: Rivers not under siege… we’re peace-loving

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says the state is not under siege. 

Fubara spoke on Friday while flagging off the construction of projects in the state.

“Rivers state is peaceful. You can see that we are moving about inspecting (projects) as against what you see on the screens of your television that police is everywhere and we don’t move about anymore, and that Rivers state is under siege,” he said.

“We are not under siege. Our state is free. If there is any problem in the state, I know quite well that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, not from us.

“We are peace-loving people. It is already written all over us. Our actions and our deeds have confirmed that we are peace-loving people.

“We will continue to maintain the peace that we promised everyone for the betterment of the good people of Rivers state.”

Fubara’s comments come amid political unrest in the south-south state.

Rivers is engulfed in a political crisis over the tenure of local government chairpersons.

On Tuesday, Fubara asked heads of local government administration to immediately assume control of the 23 council areas of the state.

Despite the governor’s directive, some of the former LGA chairpersons attempted to resume duty at the council secretariat, but were chased away by youths.

The development sparked political tension in Rivers as residents protested at some of the LGA secretariats.

Police officers fired multiple shots into the air to disperse protesters at the various LGA headquarters.

On Wednesday, Fubara swore in new caretaker committee chairpersons in the 23 LGAs.

Some of the caretaker chairpersons could not access the council offices as armed police officers remained stationed at the LGA headquarters.

In April, the Rivers assembly passed the local government amendment bill into law despite Fubara’s refusal to give his assent.

The amendment empowers the lawmakers, via resolution, to extend the tenure of elected chairpersons of LGAs and councillors, where it is considered impracticable to hold elections before the expiration of their three-year term in office.

The Rivers assembly said the amendment was to ensure that LGA elections were conducted before the expiration of the administration.

Fubara declined assent to the bill, but the assembly vetoed his decision.

However, a court judgment nullified the amendment to the local government law.

The judgment was appealed. The appeal court is yet to deliver a ruling on the matter.