Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has identified the intense struggle for control of the state’s resources as the primary driver behind the ongoing political tensions between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara’s comments were made on Sunday during the 18th anniversary celebration of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), which also coincided with the 51st birthday celebration of OPM founder, Chibuzor Chinyere.
Fubara and Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been locked in a prolonged political conflict.
The rift between the two leaders has created divisions within the Rivers State political structure, with various factions vying for influence in the state’s governance.
This rivalry has led to disruptions in the state’s legislative process, triggering conflicting court orders and ultimately polarizing the Rivers State House of Assembly.
While a peace agreement was signed in December 2023 to address the mounting tensions, the truce has not yet fully resolved the issues.
The eight-point peace agreement, brokered during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja, required both sides to drop all impeachment efforts and court cases.
However, even after this resolution, the underlying conflicts persist, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the issues.
In an official statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara expressed his commitment to utilizing the state’s resources for the benefit of the people.
He emphasized that the state’s assets would be “applied judiciously for the betterment of the state,” seeking to assure the public that his administration is dedicated to serving their interests despite the ongoing disputes.
Fubara also appealed to the church community for their continued prayers, stating that spiritual support was essential in helping the government remain focused on its mission.
“There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers state.
“Rivers state resources belong to you, and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of the state.
“What you owe us is just one thing: continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance.
“Continue to pray for us because what is most important is the interest of the people here, and I believe that with your prayers, we will not lose focus and the purpose of governance will be achieved in Rivers state,” he said.
