Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said he has endured significant personal and political strain because he refused to publicly narrate his side of the story in the lingering political crisis in the state.
The governor also explained that he has been unable to meet with the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other lawmakers since the declaration of a state of emergency because the legislators prefer to attend only meetings convened by the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Nyesom Wike.
Fubara spoke while commissioning the extended and dualised Ahoada–Omoku Road in the Rivers West Senatorial District, a project executed by Julius Berger.
He said the project was part of his campaign promise to the people of the area and commended residents for their support of his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to thank God for making this day possible. We are celebrating with our people for their support and to assure them that even in the face of challenges, we remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We promised to extend this road to Omoku and today, that promise has been kept,” he said.
The governor explained that his defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not driven by personal interests, but by the need to safeguard peace and development in the state.
According to him, Rivers State has remained stable largely due to the support of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division.
“We can’t thrive in an atmosphere of rancour. Development can’t come when there is continuous disunity. We are standing today because of the support of Mr President. We are ready to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda to every part of Rivers State,” Fubara stated.
He, however, insisted that he has no personal dispute with members of the State House of Assembly, contrary to public speculation.
“I do not have any personal disagreement with members of the Assembly. I have made every effort to meet with them. I am just waiting for a meeting to be fixed by our leaders. Anyone saying I refused to meet them is not telling the truth,” he said.
Fubara lamented that he had been unfairly judged without his side of the story being heard.
“I have suffered too much because of a single story. A lot of things have happened, but nobody has heard my own side. I am ready to meet their demands so that we can have peace in this state. This is not about me, it is about Rivers State,” the governor added.
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