Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that, with the benefit of hindsight, it has become to him and all other keen watchers of the lingering Rivers political crisis that the so-called peace agreement he signed with the faction of the State House of Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and that wanted to impeach him, was all a trap.
In remarks at a non-denominational thanksgiving to mark a year of survival of an impeachment plot on October 30, 2023, by 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, the Governor clarified that it was not the initiator (President Bola Tinubu) of the peace accord, but those he thought were sincere about the resolving the emerging crisis that set the trap into which the Governor practically fell.
The State Governor explained that it was at the point of realising the hidden intention of other parties involved in the peace agreement, that he decided not to play into their hands.
He condemned the lawmakers for not keeping to the peace agreement, describing their action as fraudulent.
Fubara explained: “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 had 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 a simple instruction?
“I acted honourably. I discovered that I was being ambushed not by the person who initiated the peace.”
He thanked all the prominent Rivers people and other people who have supported his government in the last one year for their doggedness to foil 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 30th of October, 2023,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to enthroning peace in the State, acknowledging that his supporters had towed a very difficult path in that last one year.
“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 for 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,” Fubara stressed.
The governor said 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.
He taunted his opponents: “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.”
Speaking further, Governor Fubara said he would pay contractors, workers’ salaries and also release local government council funds.
“I ask you again, who is the loser? Who is the loser? You see why you need to be happy? You see why you need to celebrate the righteousness of God?” the Governor sneered.
Highlighting success as when one is succeeding against the expectation of one’s detractors, Governor Fubara reiterated his resolve to ensure that peace reigns in the state against all odds, thanking those supporting his government for the sacrifice they have paid.
