Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The battle for supremacy in the Rivers State politics is beginning to take a new dimension as some supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have declared strong support for the Governor of the state Siminalayi Fubara.
One of those politicians who may have benefited from the former governor Wike’s government, as a female council chairman, has publicly stated thats he would prefer to support the man who brought development to their Local Government Area, than the one who neglected the area for eight years.
Chairman of Bonny LGA in Rivers State, Dame Anengi Claude-Wilcox at the weekend, stated that the fight between the FCT Minister and his godson, Fubara, will not make Rivers people to hate the governor.
Claude-Wilcox, who spoke when the SIMplified Movement, a pro-Fubara political pressure group held a thanksgiving service in honour of governor’s Supreme Court victory, at Bonny, stressed that the governor has demonstrated that he loves people of the state as such they cannot be cajoled by anybody into hating him.
The council chairman alleged that Wike neglected the LGA in his eight years as a governor, and called on Fubara to change the narrative by constructing internal roads in the area.
She said: “For eight years of Nyesom Wike administration, there was no single project flagged-off or inaugurated in Bonny. We want Gov. Sim Fubara to change that bad record. We campaigned and voted for him and we will support him to govern Rivers State till the end of his tenure.
“The people of Bonny are resolute to give everything for the sustenance of Fubara’s government because he has shown us that he can be trusted to fulfil his campaign promises to us. So we stand firm with him.”
“We want His Excellency to construct the Bonny internal roads for us and persuade the federal government to complete the Bodo-Bonny road for the use of our people. Nobody can cajole us to fight a man who loves the ordinary people in every part of Rivers State,” Claude-Wilcox assured.
Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Rivers Peace Initiative has called for unity and progress in the state.
In a letter addressed to former governor Wike and signed by the convener of the group, Obinna Ebogidi, the group acknowledged the dedicated service to the state during his tenure as governor, especially the developmental projects he achieved in the state capital and its environs.
Ebogidi, who frown on how the misunderstanding between Governor Fubara and his political godfather is affecting development in the state, said: “Rivers State has transitioned to new leadership, it is imperative that we unite for the greater good of our state”.
In the letter which was more of a plea, the group stated “In recent times, we have observed with heavy hearts the exchanges and criticisms directed towards your successor, which have unfortunately overshadowed the collective goal of advancing our state.
“We understand that differences in approach and ideology may exist between administrations, but we firmly believe that these differences should not hinder the progress of our state. Instead, they should serve as opportunities for constructive dialogue and collaboration.”
“At this critical juncture, our state requires steadfast leadership, unwavering commitment, and a singular focus on addressing the myriad challenges facing our communities. It is only through unity and cooperation that we can overcome these obstacles and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
“We urge you, dear Chief Nyesom Wike to reconsider your current stance and embrace a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation. By refraining from further attacks on your successor and offering support where possible, you will not only honor the legacy of your past leadership but also demonstrate your unwavering dedication to the well-being of our state.”
