The Secretary to the Government of Rivers State (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has responded to the growing political criticisms regarding his role in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. He cautioned that the Governor’s peaceful approach to governance should not be misunderstood as a sign of weakness, amidst increasing political tension in the state, particularly from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Danagogo made these comments during the commissioning of Okrika Grammar School in Okrika, Rivers State. His remarks came in response to attacks from political opponents, notably Wike, who had criticized the SSG for signing a letter inviting lawmakers to a meeting with the Governor. Wike dismissed the letter as “useless,” which added to the ongoing political battle in the state between Fubara’s administration and Wike’s camp.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has become increasingly polarized since Governor Siminalayi Fubara took office in May 2023. Fubara succeeded Wike, and while their political affiliations are from the same party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), there have been notable tensions between the two. These tensions have played out publicly, with Fubara adopting a more measured approach to governance compared to Wike’s often combative style.
The most recent source of contention stems from a letter that Dr. Tammy Danagogo, as the Secretary to the State Government, signed to invite members of the state assembly for a meeting with Governor Fubara. This letter was met with resistance from Wike and his supporters, who claimed it was unnecessary and deemed it “useless.” The verbal sparring between Wike and the Fubara camp has intensified in recent months, leading to gridlocks and accusations that the state’s political future is uncertain.
In defending his actions, Danagogo clarified that writing such letters was part of his official duties and well within his authority as SSG. He pointed out that when he served as SSG under Wike’s administration, he had performed similar functions, demonstrating that such actions were part of his job description and were not an overreach of power.
During the commissioning event in Okrika, Danagogo took the opportunity to further defend the approach that Governor Fubara has taken in handling the state’s political and legislative issues. He emphasized that Fubara’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state should not be misconstrued as an inability to act or an admission of weakness.
“There is nothing wrong with the SSG writing a letter for an informal meeting,” Danagogo stated, explaining that he had simply acted in accordance with his official responsibilities. He added that the Governor’s composed handling of the situation surrounding the closure of the state assembly complex—an action that had prevented him from presenting his budget—further demonstrated Fubara’s resolve in the face of provocations.
“The Governor has shown remarkable restraint despite provocations. His approach is not out of weakness but a deliberate effort to maintain peace and stability in Rivers State,” Danagogo emphasized.
This statement aimed to reassure the public that Governor Fubara’s approach was a strategic decision rather than a passive response. Danagogo’s comments reflected his belief that the Governor was handling the situation with careful diplomacy, choosing dialogue over confrontation, despite the growing political pressures.
The political rivalry between Fubara and Wike has created an atmosphere of division within the state, with the tension spilling over into the state legislature. The closure of the state assembly complex, which Danagogo mentioned, has been a flashpoint, preventing crucial legislative business, including the presentation of Fubara’s budget.
Critics from Wike’s camp argue that Fubara’s approach is too soft and may be undermining the state’s political stability. However, Danagogo was firm in defending the Governor’s peaceful approach, suggesting that while past governors might have reacted more aggressively, Fubara’s restraint was a deliberate strategy to avoid escalation.
“The current Governor has chosen to maintain calm, and his approach to these issues is one that focuses on healing divisions rather than furthering them,” Danagogo added. This sentiment was echoed by some political analysts who view Fubara’s measured response as an attempt to maintain political unity and foster a more collaborative governance style.
The political gridlock in Rivers State, particularly in the legislative arm, has contributed to a growing sense of uncertainty among the public and political observers. As the state grapples with this division, the question remains whether Fubara’s peaceful approach will be enough to stabilize the state or if the conflict will escalate further.
Governor Fubara’s leadership style has been compared to that of his predecessor, Wike, who was known for his combative and confrontational tactics. Wike’s tenure was marked by direct challenges to the federal government, frequent public disputes with political opponents, and bold political maneuvers. By contrast, Fubara has taken a more conciliatory approach, focusing on dialogue and collaboration. This shift has led some political analysts to question whether Fubara can effectively manage the state’s affairs amid the rising political opposition from Wike’s camp.
Fubara has largely avoided confrontations and instead focused on the development of the state, implementing several key infrastructure projects. His handling of the state’s budget presentation, for example, was marked by an attempt to resolve conflicts peacefully, even when faced with obstruction from political adversaries. Danagogo’s defense of this strategy underscores a broader belief that Fubara’s leadership is more focused on long-term peace and stability than short-term political victories.
Despite the growing political divisions, Danagogo remains confident in Fubara’s ability to navigate these challenges. He urged critics to understand that the Governor’s restraint should not be interpreted as a lack of leadership or decisiveness but as a commitment to preserving the state’s peace.
“It is crucial for the people of Rivers State to understand that our Governor is committed to bringing prosperity and stability to the state. His peaceful approach is a result of careful thought and leadership,” Danagogo concluded.
As the political drama in Rivers State continues to unfold, the path forward remains unclear. Will Governor Fubara’s peaceful approach eventually yield the results needed to mend the political rifts, or will the tensions between him and his predecessor, Wike, escalate into a deeper crisis? Only time will tell, but for now, the state’s political future remains in the balance, with Governor Fubara standing firm in his commitment to peace and stability.
