The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RIVLEF) has publicly expressed its unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the face of rising political tension in the state.
This declaration of solidarity was made by RIVLEF Chairman, Chief Rufus Ada-George, during a news conference held on Thursday (today, October 10) in Port Harcourt.
During the conference, Ada-George praised Governor Fubara for exhibiting remarkable courage and for maintaining a commitment to peace, despite facing provocations from certain political figures in Rivers.
“We commend Fubara for his courage and determination in standing firm and resolute in defending the interests of the people of Rivers State. The governor, along with his team and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), has shown boldness in upholding democracy and democratic values,” he said.
Ada-George, who is also a former Governor of Rivers State, took the opportunity to express his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts aimed at alleviating political tension in the region.
However, he did not hesitate to criticize the president for what he perceived as a failure to admonish the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, regarding his involvement in the ongoing crises.
“President Tinubu has called for peace and advised political parties and individuals who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the local government elections to seek legal recourse through the courts. However, the omission of any mention of Wike, a central figure in the political turmoil, sends a troubling message,” Ada-George remarked.
He further asserted that the struggle for political dominance and influence within the state has reached a conclusion, as the people have made their decisions in the recently held local government elections.
Ada-George emphasized that the citizens are the rightful custodians of political power and urged those with opposing views to refrain from further conflict.
“The people of Rivers have now restructured the political landscape, and any resort to violence or arson will ultimately be detrimental to us all. Therefore, we call upon the police to swiftly implement President Tinubu’s directive to secure local government offices, maintain law and order, and protect lives and property,” he advised.
Additionally, Ada-George commended the residents of Rivers for their active engagement and peaceful behavior during the election process.
Dr. Gabriel Toby, a former Deputy Governor of Rivers, also voiced confidence in the policies that aim to preserve peace within the state.
He reiterated the forum’s trust in law enforcement agencies to fulfil their responsibilities, despite earlier concerns regarding potential partisan actions by the police before the elections.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the forum comprises several prominent national figures, including retired Rear Admiral Ochegomie Fingesi, who previously served on the Armed Forces Ruling Council, along with retired Group Captain John Kalio, former Military Administrator of Yobe, Senator Andrew Uchendu, noted environmental and rights activist Annkio Briggs, and Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, among others.
