Inside Nigeria
There is peace in Rivers State – says Fubara amidst political tensions
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has reassured the public that the state remains peaceful amidst speculations of widespread crisis.
Fubara made the remarks during an inspection of the Omodu-Eberi-Omuma Road in Omuma Local Government Area on Thursday.
The Governor said that government activities are functioning normally and residents are going about their legitimate businesses without hindrance.
Speaking at Egbelu Junction, the governor clarified that the inspection aimed to correct misconceptions about the state’s condition.
He also announced the extension of the road project to link neighbouring Abia State, a testament to the state’s continued development.
This assurance comes amidst escalating tensions between supporters of Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The conflict, which recently resulted in two fatalities, is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between the two political figures.
The crisis dates back to late last year and has included incidents such as the bombing of the state House of Assembly and an attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara by lawmakers loyal to Wike.
The immediate cause of the current conflict was the expiration of the three-year tenure of the 23 local government chairmen on Monday.
The outgoing chairmen, backed by a local government amendment law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, sought to extend their terms by six months due to the governor’s failure to conduct local government elections.
In response, Governor Fubara appointed caretaker chairmen, who were sworn in on Wednesday.