According to the report from the Vanguard, Members of the Nigerian Senate have emphasized the importance of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State maintaining peace within the state, urging him not to waver in this commitment. The Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by Senator Orji Kalu, conveyed this message during their recent visit to the Port Harcourt Government House on Wednesday.
The committee, led by Senator Kalu, addressed the ongoing political crisis stemming from the expiration of local government chairmen's tenures in the state. Senator Kalu urged Governor Fubara to exercise restraint, emphasizing that it is crucial for the overall peace and progress of Rivers State.
Senator Kalu expressed his committee's dedication to fostering peace in the state, outlining plans to engage with President Tinubu and former Governor Nyesom Wike, who also serves as the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory.
"We are in your state to oversee some of our projects, and we believe that as a committee, it is appropriate to pay a courtesy call," Senator Kalu stated. He commended Governor Fubara for his efforts on behalf of the state's populace and encouraged him to remain focused on governance.
Acknowledging the challenges of leadership, Senator Kalu appealed to both Governor Fubara and his predecessor to prioritize economic growth and improve citizens' living standards. "Leadership is a significant responsibility, not without its challenges," he remarked.
He further appealed to Governor Fubara to uphold constitutional processes and await judicial interpretation amidst the political tensions. "We are nonpartisan in this matter; our focus should be on economic development," Senator Kalu stressed, noting the economic hardships faced by the populace.
Governor Fubara responded by affirming his commitment to maintaining peace in Rivers State, despite facing insults and intimidation. He reiterated his focus on fulfilling his electoral mandates and dismissed the protests as distractions.
He said, “I am the only governor that a local government chairman will insult. You all see it and I know that people at the end of the day will not look at the fight but what did he achieve, I know that all these fights are mere distractions but I need to make sure I deliver no matter how challenging the situation is."
Addressing the controversy surrounding the local government chairmen's tenure, Governor Fubara emphasized that the situation aligns with constitutional provisions. He criticized attempts to elongate their tenures, questioning the consistency of legal interpretations across states.
He said, "In Rivers State today, we are standing for a movement, not just a party." He urged a deeper examination of the root causes of the current tensions while pledging to resist provocations and uphold democratic principles.
The governor concluded by urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and the constitution, emphasizing the need for stability and unity in moving forward.