Rivers Pol. Crisis: How I was ambushed with peace agreement

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has disclosed feeling ambushed by the peace agreement he signed with a faction of the state House of Assembly, revealing it was part of an alleged plot to oust him.

Speaking during a non-denominational thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Fubara marked a year since surviving an impeachment attempt by 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara clarified that while President Bola Tinubu, who facilitated the peace accord, acted in good faith, certain lawmakers failed to uphold the agreement’s terms.

He stated that the intentions of the pro-Wike faction became clear only after he had committed to the peace process, forcing him to distance himself from the deal to avoid being “played.”

The governor criticized the lawmakers for allegedly using the peace agreement as a pretense, accusing them of acting in bad faith and calling their actions fraudulent.

“We went to Abuja and Mr. President knowing the importance of peace for Rivers State, called out some conditions for peace.

“We came back here, in this state, to do everything that has to do with the conditions of the peace. We went to court immediately and withdrew our matters. And you call yourself honourable when you cannot obey simple instructions.

“I acted as an honourable. I discovered that I was being ambushed not by the person who initiated the peace”, Fubara stated.

The governor thanked all the prominent Rivers people and others who had supported his government in the last year for their belief and resilience to scuttle the plots of enemies of his government.

“I am standing here because of all of you. A lot of people may not understand what happened on the 30th of October, 2023,” he said with nostalgia.

He reiterated his commitment to enthrone peace, acknowledging that his supporters had taken a very difficult part in that last year.

He further said, “We are still complete. Let me tell you, we are still intact. They said we’re not going to last for one week. We are here one year plus.

“They said we would not have local government chairmen. Today, we have local government chairmen.”

“They said commissioners should resign immediately. Today, we have more than 23 commissioners.

“They said they are not going to do anything; they are going to frustrate them, they are not going to succeed. By the grace of God, there are lots of projects that are touching the lives of the people.”

The governor added that his government has demonstrated prudence and transparency in the use of resources of the state, saying that recently, Rivers was commended for showing transparency and accountability by an external body.

To his opponents, he said, “I now ask the question, who is the winner? We are here to appreciate God for the way He did it one year ago, He will do it again.”

Fubara said he would pay contractors, and workers’ salaries and also release local government council funds.

He added, “I ask you again, who is the loser? Who is the loser? You see why you need to be happy? Do you see why you need to celebrate the righteousness of God?

According to the governor, success is when you are succeeding against the expectation of your detractors that you should fail.

He reiterated his resolve to ensure peace reigns in the state against all odds, thanking those supporting his government for the sacrifice they have paid.