Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara has acknowledged the support of some political leaders, especially his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in his journey to becoming governor.
However, he emphasized that such support wouldn’t lead him to “worship anyone”.
Fubara made these remarks while addressing a delegation of political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State who visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The purpose of their visit was to seek an end to the political crisis in Rivers State and to foster a better relationship between both states.
Among the members of the delegation were the first Military Governor of old Rivers State, Alfred Diete-Spiff, who is the Traditional Ruler of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State, other Traditional Rulers, former Commissioners, former State and National Assembly members, and Peoples Democratic Party executives.
He attributed his emergence as divine, stating that God can use anyone, even one’s enemy, to fulfill His purpose in a person’s life.
He also condemned the use of police officers to intimidate his supporters, despite his restraint during the crisis.
He said, “God can do anything He wants to do when He wants to do it. It is only for us to realise that. God will not come down from Heaven but will pass through one man or woman to achieve His purpose.
“So, for that reason, when we act, we act as humans; human vessels that God has used, and not seeing yourself as God.
“I want to say this clearly that we appreciate the role our leaders, most especially the immediate past governor, played. But that is not enough for me to worship a human being. I can’t do that.”
Governor Fubara also expressed his dismay at how some of his commissioners were working against him.
He recounted an occasion when the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, was the one who informed him about important information that one of his commissioners should have shared.
In his address, Senator Dickson, the leader of the Bayelsa delegation, highlighted the cultural and political ties between Rivers and Bayelsa, emphasizing the importance of unity between both states.
He called for the preservation of their historic connection, stressing that the creation of Bayelsa State should not cause division but rather be an opportunity for mutual benefit.
Senator Dickson commended Governor Fubara for his efforts to resolve disputes between both states, including his visit to his Bayelsa counterpart earlier that year.
Addressing the political challenges facing Rivers State, Senator Dickson called for collective responsibility from Governor Fubara and his predecessor.
He proposed that Rivers State should play a similar role in the South-South as Lagos State does in the South-West.
Senator Dickson also praised the President’s intervention in resolving the political tension in Rivers State and urged both leaders in the state to seek wise counsel from other leaders in the state and Bayelsa to permanently resolve the crisis.
He called on Rivers State leaders to support both Governor Fubara and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, in their respective roles.
