Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has said he endured significant hardship during the prolonged political crisis in the state because he chose not to publicly present his side of the story.
Speaking at the commissioning of the extended and dualised Ahoada–Omoku Road in Rivers West Senatorial District, the governor addressed lingering tensions involving the state House of Assembly, insisting he had repeatedly attempted to meet with Speaker Martins Amaewhule and the lawmakers.
According to him, the legislators have been unwilling to attend any meeting not arranged by former governor and PDP leader, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara, who described the commissioned road as a fulfilment of his campaign promise, thanked the communities for their support for both his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu. He stressed that despite current political turbulence, his government remained committed to delivering infrastructure and other democratic dividends.
He reiterated that his decision to leave the PDP for the APC was made in the best interest of the state. “We can’t thrive in an atmosphere of rancour. Development can’t come when there is disunity,” he said, noting that the stability enjoyed by his government was largely due to support from the presidency.
Fubara emphasised that he holds no personal grievance against lawmakers at either the state or national level. He explained that every effort he made to initiate dialogue was stalled because the lawmakers insisted meetings must be convened by Wike.
He said he has deliberately avoided bypassing party leadership to prevent accusations of attempting to create divisions. According to him, this has allowed misconceptions to spread unchecked.
“I have suffered too much because of a single story,” he said. “A lot has happened and no one has heard my side. I have made efforts to meet with the Speaker and members of the Assembly. I am still waiting for the meeting to be fixed.”
Fubara urged all parties to set aside differences in the interest of the state, stressing that unity is vital for progress. “It is not about me,” he said. “It is about Rivers State.”
