Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said his administration is defending the state against “predators” rather than engaging in conflict.
This statement came in response to an alleged failed attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, a facility owned by the state.
Fubara disclosed this during a courtesy visit from the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation delegation, led by its Chairman, Senator Orji Kalu.
He asserted that the attempted bombing was a deliberate act to fuel calls for a state of emergency by those aiming to destabilise Rivers State for their malicious intents.
Fubara elaborated on the incident, explaining that certain youths were hired to protest and demand an extension for the tenure of former local government chairmen who had completed their statutory three-year terms.
He claimed that these protesters and their sponsors knew that members of the National Assembly were guests at the Hotel Presidential, prompting the explosive attempt to justify a state of emergency in subsequent legislative discussions.
“Let me tell you, I know of everything that is happening. Yesterday (Tuesday), they (protesters) knew you were in the state. So, there was an attempt to create a serious problem,” Fubara stated.
He revealed that the device detonated prematurely, injuring the perpetrator but averting an enormous disaster.
Fubara questioned the selective enforcement of the law, noting that no other state in Nigeria has faced issues regarding tenure elongation for local government chairmen.
He emphasised that Rivers State should not be treated differently under the law.
“There is no governor in Nigeria who can take 10 per cent of the abuse railed at him by former local government council chairmen,” Fubara said.
He reiterated his administration’s mission: “I am not fighting anybody. If I am fighting, people will know that I am fighting. My pattern will change.”
In his address, Senator Orji Kalu commended Fubara’s commitment to peace and quality governance. He urged the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to prioritise the state’s interests and maintain peace.
Kalu said, “I want to thank you because you look like a very peaceful man. Your face shows a peaceful man. Your laugh shows a peaceful man. So, I want you to continue in that manner of peace. There is nothing like peace.”
The Senate committee pledged to work with the Rivers State government to achieve goals that would benefit all Nigerians, particularly in light of the current economic hardships.
Fubara appealed to the committee to consider Rivers State’s interests in privatising and commercialising public companies.
Oluwasegun SanusiJune 26, 20242 Mins read611
