From Blessing Douglas, Port Harcourt
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that he is willing to give up his office for peace to reign in Rivers State, adding that no sacrifice will be too big to achieve that.
Fubara spoke during an interview with the Africa Independent Television (AIT), stressing that he believes that Rivers State is bigger than anyone, including himself.
He further said that he would always continue to maintain his unwavering love for peace and respect for the rule of law and justice.
“No sacrifice will be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration and the reason is very simple, it is not political love,” Fubara said.
“It is not because I want to gain any favour from anybody, my interest and love for our dear state is genuine.
“I am not trying to say I want to be one man that will be there to decide the fate of all, no but let Rivers State remain.”
Governor Fubara has remained resilient even in the face of provocations and deliberate attempts to cripple his administration or render Rivers State ungovernable by way of sabotage and an impeachment plot.
He has also had to contend with the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The trouble between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike is well documented with the battle almost leading to the proposed impeachment of the former.
“My burden at that time wasn’t the issue of the drama, it was actually the millions of the people of Rivers who had made sacrifice who are seeing an opportunity and it looked as if their hopes were being dashed,” Fubara said.
“They were the ones I was worried about, what would be the fate? That was my trouble, it wasn’t about me.”
Despite the unprovoked assaults, Fubara says he will continue to explore the path of peace in the state.
Meanwhile, his quest for peace saw him making a number of sacrifices, including his acceptance of the lopsided December 18, 2023 presidential agreement.
His decision did not go down well with many but Governor Fubara says his acceptance of the agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not borne out of fear or pressure but in the interests of Rivers state.
He said he also accepted the agreement in view of the likely consequences the lingering political crisis might have on the development of the state.
“If leaving this position is what I need or what is needed, to bring more peace in the state, I can even tell you to come and take it,” he said.
“It is not about me, people should understand that I won’t rule forever, I am here now but I will definitely go one day but Rivers State will still remain.”
