Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has spoken out amidst recent political tension in the state. In a video clip posted on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), the governor expressed his gratitude for the people of Rivers State and pledged to run an inclusive government. He promised to uphold the principles of justice and fairness for all, regardless of class or position.
The governor’s statement comes after nine members of his cabinet resigned and 27 members of the state assembly defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The state government responded to the defection by ordering the demolition of the Assembly Complex, citing the need to rebuild a suitable structure after an “arson attack” on October 29, 2023.
According to reports, the defecting lawmakers are being supported by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate-past governor of the state, Nyesom Wike. The governor and the FCT minister are allegedly in a battle over the control of the state’s political structure.