Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has received praise for standing firm in the face of political pressure, refusing to be intimidated, and defending democracy during the recent local government elections.
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, made these comments on Wednesday, commending Fubara’s courage and leadership.
Secondus’ praise was seen by many as a subtle jab at former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, with whom Fubara has been at odds in recent months.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus celebrated Fubara’s ability to hold his ground despite the challenging political environment.
“You have stood out for refusing to be intimidated,” Secondus declared, emphasizing Fubara’s resilience.
The former PDP chairman lauded Fubara’s handling of the political turbulence in Rivers State, particularly during the recent local elections, where efforts were allegedly made to undermine his authority.
“Governor Fubara has demonstrated true leadership by standing firm for democracy,” Secondus continued. “His refusal to bow to intimidation is a testament to his commitment to his people and their future.”
Though Secondus did not directly name Wike in his statement, many interpreted his remarks as a criticism of the former governor, who has had a tense relationship with Fubara since leaving office.
Fubara, who took office in May 2023, was initially seen as a close ally of Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and political godfather.
However, the relationship between the two has soured in recent months, with Fubara taking steps to assert his independence from Wike’s influence.
Many observers note that Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Bola Tinubu, had expected Fubara to maintain close ties with him even after his departure from Rivers State.
But Fubara has chosen a different path, asserting his authority and focusing on his administration’s agenda without interference from his predecessor.
The rift became more evident during the local government elections in Rivers State, with political insiders suggesting that Wike attempted to exert control over the process.
Fubara, however, pushed back, determined to maintain the integrity of the elections and stand firm in his leadership.
While Secondus refrained from openly attacking Wike, his words were widely seen as a veiled criticism of the former governor’s actions.
The former PDP chairman, who has had his own share of political battles with Wike, praised Fubara’s refusal to yield to pressure, a stance that seems to contrast with Wike’s alleged attempts to control the political landscape in Rivers State even after leaving office.
Political analysts believe that Secondus’ remarks reflect his support for Fubara’s efforts to distance himself from Wike’s shadow and carve out his own leadership identity.
Wike, known for his strong political personality, has been a dominant force in Rivers State politics for years. However, Fubara’s willingness to challenge this dominance has earned him respect from key political figures like Secondus.
In his statement, Secondus also took the opportunity to call on President Bola Tinubu to work closely with Governor Fubara in safeguarding Rivers State’s critical national assets.
Rivers State is home to several important national assets, including oil refineries, ports, and other infrastructure vital to Nigeria’s economy.
Secondus stressed the need for collaboration between the federal government and the Rivers State government to ensure the protection and effective management of these assets.
“The strategic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated,” Secondus said. “I urge President Bola Tinubu to partner with Governor Fubara to protect and develop these assets for the benefit of the entire nation.”
This call for federal-state cooperation comes at a time when Rivers State is looking to strengthen its position as a key economic hub in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Secondus also praised the people of Rivers State for their active participation in the local government elections, which saw a significant turnout despite the tensions surrounding the elections.
“I congratulate the people of Rivers State for their massive turnout during the elections,” Secondus said. “Your participation is a strong message that you stand behind Governor Fubara and his leadership.”
The elections, which were closely watched across the state, are seen as a test of Fubara’s popularity and his ability to manage the political challenges that have arisen since his assumption of office.
By securing a large voter turnout and support for his candidates, Fubara has demonstrated that he retains the backing of the people, even as he navigates the political tensions in Rivers.