Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called on residents to remain calm despite mounting political tension in the state.
Speaking during the New Year crossover service at the Government House Chapel in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the governor assured citizens that his administration would not be distracted or intimidated by those beating what he described as “drums of war.”
His remarks came days after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, threatened to reveal details of an agreement reached between him and Fubara during the emergency rule imposed on Rivers in 2025.
Wike, who governed the state before Fubara, accused his successor of reneging on the deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu. “After agreeing on something, you renege. And you think you are a smart politician? You are clever by half,” Wike said on December 31.
“It’s Political Noise”
In response, Fubara urged Rivers people to rise above what he termed “political noise and intimidation.” Drawing lessons from the Bible, he encouraged residents to listen for the “still small voice” of God rather than be distracted by threats and provocations.
He emphasised that prayer, restraint, and peaceful engagement would continue to define his government’s approach in 2026.
“We do not have the instrument of war; the only thing we have is our knees, and we will continue to pray to God. Do not be troubled by the sounds of war you are hearing,” he said.
Reflecting on his first two years in office, Fubara acknowledged turbulence and internal challenges that slowed development but insisted the state had “weathered the storm” through divine intervention and collective resilience.
He added that Rivers was entering the New Year with strength, hope, and assurance that those who trust in God would not be put to shame.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to peace and political maturity, pledging that any support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections would be based on dialogue and mutual respect, not coercion.
He commended Rivers residents and loyal supporters for their steadfastness, noting that their resilience had helped his administration remain focused despite sustained pressure.
Renewed Political Tension
The governor’s comments come amid fresh political tension in Rivers. Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, recently accused Fubara of neglecting public schools and of “deliberately lying” about his engagement with lawmakers.
The assembly claimed the governor had failed to honour the peace deal brokered by President Tinubu.
On December 30, lawmakers announced plans to return ₦100,000 credited to their accounts by the state government, alleging the payment was unauthorised.
The government clarified that the funds were Christmas bonuses paid to all civil and public office holders without discrimination.
The feud between Fubara and Wike triggered a political crisis that led President Tinubu to declare emergency rule in Rivers in March 2025.
Fubara, along with other elected officials, was suspended for six months before returning to office in September after Tinubu lifted the emergency.
The president had earlier brokered a peace deal in June between Fubara and Wike, but tensions have persisted, with both camps trading accusations and threats as the state heads into 2026.
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