The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is not happy with President Bola Tinubu’s statement about the violent attacks on local government secretariats in Rivers.
He’s particularly upset that his name was mentioned.
There was chaos after the new LG chairmen were sworn in and fights broke out in different parts of the state.
Fubara expressed concern about Tinubu’s public appeal, asking him and Rivers’ political leaders to be more careful during the crisis.
“I do not have any issue with [the President’s intervention]. But I am a bit concerned when my name was only mentioned,” Fubara said.
There was chaos in at least four LG areas – Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua went up in flames, Ahoada East had gunshots flying, all because of political drama between the new officials and the opposition.
Fubara said that the police leaving all 23 LG secretariats made these attacks possible, because without security, the facilities were easy targets for vandalism.
“Maybe as a result of [the police] pulling their men out… they [hoodlums] took advantage of the situation,” he explained.
The governor of Rivers wants the security arrangement for LG officials to be looked at again, hoping the recent intervention by the Inspector General will bring stability.
“I was never of the opinion that the police should pull out completely,” he clarified, urging that security measures be reinforced for LG staff to perform their duties safely.
Opinion on Fubara concerned about President Tinubu’s stance on Rivers crisis
Fubara, you have tried. History will remember you as one who fought for the liberty of the people of Rivers state.
If you watched the video that surfaced online a night before the Rivers election, he mentioned that the Police should stay out of election interference in the state.
That’s not the same as withdrawing from the state.
But thanks to the IGP who command the restoration of peace in Rivers. This can help regain the trust Nigerians have in police.