‘Peace is priceless’ — Fubara apologises over Rivers political saga

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has apologised to the people of the state over the recent political crisis in the state.

On October 29, a section of the Rivers state house of assembly complex was gutted by fire.

There were speculations that the fire incident was orchestrated to prevent the lawmakers from initiating impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

On Monday, political tension heightened in the state when some lawmakers in the house of assembly moved to impeach Fubara.

Ehie Edison, Fubara’s ally, was removed as the leader of the state assembly but hours later, he was elected as the new speaker.

The crisis in the state is linked to a rumoured rift between Fubara and Wike. 

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP governors forum, had said President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the crisis, expressing optimism that peace will be restored in the state.

The PDP had also called on all political actors in the state to “sheathe their swords and allow for a peaceful and amicable resolution of all the issues”.

‘WILLING TO EMBRACE LASTING PEACE’

The Rivers governor in a statement on Saturday, said he is a man of peace, adding that the advancement of the state is his primary concern.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders for intervening.

“I wish to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his fatherly intervention which opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering crises,” Fubara said.

“I wish to also thank our elders who are currently intervening in the matter. 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, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past governor and minister of the federal capital territory, His excellency, Chief Barrister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, GSSRS, life bencher and my humble self, to leverage on 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 my part, I am 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 good people and youths of Rivers state, that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security, progress and development 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.”