Rita Odafe
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, addressed concerns on Monday regarding President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the region’s ongoing unrest, which has resulted in property damage and some local government offices being attacked.
While he appreciated the President’s attention to the situation, Fubara was troubled that only his name was highlighted in the President’s remarks.
The Governor emphasized that he is not responsible for the turmoil affecting the state.
Recently, violence erupted in several local government areas after police officers withdrew from securing the 23 council secretariats early on Monday, coinciding with new chairmen trying to take their posts.
Political adversaries set some secretariats ablaze, and gunfire was reported sporadically in other areas.
In response to the situation, President Tinubu, through his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, instructed police to reinforce security at the local government offices and urged Governor Fubara, along with local political leaders and their supporters, to maintain calm.
During a television interview on Monday night, Fubara expressed that he has no problem with the President’s intervention but noted his concern about being the sole name mentioned in the statement.
He pointed out that the origins of the violence in Rivers State are obvious to everyone.
According to Fubara, the police withdrawal allowed criminal elements to exploit the situation. He stated, “I have no issues with the President’s intervention, but I’m a bit concerned that only my name was mentioned.”
He added, “This is a straightforward matter. Anyone in Nigeria and Rivers State knows where the problem comes from. It’s clear that Fubara is not the issue.”
Fubara further expressed hope that the Inspector General of Police’s recent involvement would provide some relief.
He commented on the police withdrawal, mentioning it may have been a factor that enabled the criminals to act. He argued that while police are present, the elected officials should be allowed to fulfill their duties with adequate security, which was his initial thought.
Fubara concluded by stating, “I did not believe the police should completely withdraw. Their departure allowed these miscreants to exploit and damage the secretariats.”
