No sacrifice is too great to ensure peace in Rivers —Fubara
From Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt
The suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that even amid the political turbulence, no one can genuinely dismiss in a hurry, the pivotal role played, the risks taken and sacrifices made by his boss and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, in his emergence as Executive Governor of the State.
The Governor has, therefore, declared that for that reason, no sacrifice or concession is too big for him and anyone who genuinely believes in him to make for the peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.
Addressing his supporters in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Fubara acknowledged the anxiety and disappointment felt by many following the peace deal, but insisted that difficult times call for tough decisions and concessions.
The Governor reassured that every step taken, including the recent reconciliation with his Principal and FCT Minister, was done with their collective interest in mind. He explained that at every stage, consultations were held with key stakeholders and trusted allies within his political family.
He admitted that the new political realities may be painful temporarily for some, especially those who have stood firmly with him through the turbulence, but emphasized that the larger goal remains the peace and stability of Rivers State.
According to him, “One thing is important: we have to be alive before we can be hopeful. So, the key is that we are alive and there is hope.
“On May 29, I did inform you that we are in the peace process; and that it is ongoing. I can confirm that some of the pictures you have been seeing on social and conventional media are the outcome of the peace process. I called for this meeting to address you formally so you can have first-hand information on the peace process.”
Governor Fubara also lamented the impact the political crisis has had on governance, pointing out that several development projects and programmes across the state have suffered delays.
He, however, expressed optimism that with the reconciliation achieved, the pace of project implementation would soon pick up.
He reminded the people of the State that now is the time to prove their loyalty and trust in his leadership, even when immediate political rewards seem uncertain.
He said, “If you genuinely believe in this struggle, you will know that we have done what we need to do. At this point, if you want to be truthful to yourself, you will admit that the only solution is peace. I have said it repeatedly that there is no price too big to pay for peace in the State. I meant it. And I am still ready to follow through on it to the end.”
Reiterating his commitment to peace, Governor Fubara disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had personally intervened, giving a clear directive that both he and his Oga must reconcile for the sake of Rivers State.
He said, “In one of the meetings with Mr President, he clearly said: ‘I want you and your Oga to settle’. Nobody can take away the role he played. Nobody here can say he or she does not know the risks he took, and sacrifices he made. And if today, there is need for us to settle, why shouldn’t we settle for the peace and progress of the State? It is the right thing to do. And I am committed to it.
“You cannot take away the fact that he may be feeling hurt. He is a human being. So, I know how it feels. And if he says, because of what I have gone through, these are things I want. Of course, I will give it to him so we can have peace. We have to make tough sacrifices and concessions for the peace of the State,” he added.
In a passionate appeal, the Governor urged all who believe in his leadership and vision to embrace peace and allow the state to recover and take a leap to the next level.
