Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has emphasised that he is ready to sacrifice his office for the peace of the state.
He said this in an interview with newsmen that no sacrifice is too great for him, as he is willing to relinquish his position if it would contribute to the tranquility of Rivers State.
He said, “No sacrifice will be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration.
“And the reason is very simple, it’s not political love, it’s not because I want to gain any favour from anybody, my interest and love for our dear state is genuine.
I’m not trying to say I want to be one man who will be there to decide the fate of all but let Rivers State remain.”
Fubara acknowledged that there were potential actions he could have taken leading to a “total crisis,” but his decision to exercise restraint demonstrated maturity.
He highlighted that his dedication to the state stems from genuine love and interest, rather than political motives or personal gain.
The governor underscored the importance of the well-being of the millions of Rivers people who had made sacrifices, expressing concern about their future.
He emphasised that if stepping down from his position would bring more peace to the state, he would willingly do so, putting the welfare of the people above personal considerations.
Fubara clarified that his role as governor should not grant him unchecked power, expressing a commitment to the continued existence and prosperity of Rivers State even if he were to leave his position. Despite facing challenges, he prioritized the collective welfare of the citizens over his individual concerns.
Recall that Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been at loggerheads over the control of power in the state.
In the wake of the crisis in the state House of Assembly, the political rift between Wike and Fubara split lawmakers in the House, with 27 of them decamping from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in whose central government Wike currently serves as minister.
The feud also saw the emergence of parallel sittings, an impeachment plot against the governor, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and a gale of resignations of pro-Wike commissioners in Fubara’s cabinet.
The President and some elder statesmen had intervened in the crisis earlier in October, but it degenerated into a full-blown fight.
But, after some weeks of crisis in the state, the political gladiators in Rivers reached a truce on Monday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa in Abuja.
The meeting had Fubara, Wike, the ex-Rivers governor, Peter Odili; and some traditional rulers from the state in attendance.
Vice President Kashim Shettima; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, were also part of the meeting.
However, after a series of meetings, the warring parties agreed that all matters instituted in the courts by Fubara, and his team, be withdrawn immediately.
Fubara, Wike, Amaewhule and other parties in the crisis signed the agreement. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also signed the document.
The Wike camp also agreed that all impeachment proceedings initiated against the governor by the Rivers State House of Assembly be dropped immediately.
The parties in the feud resolved to recognise the leadership of Martin Amaewhule in the Rivers State House of Assembly and not that of Edison Ehie.
The two camps agreed to recognise Amaewhule and his 26 allies who recently resigned from the PDP to the APC.
