By Ayomide Otitoju
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in the political crisis that engulfed the state, describing the President’s involvement as timely and stabilizing.
Speaking at a May 29 gathering organized by his supporters under the Simplified Movement at their secretariat in Port Harcourt, Fubara acknowledged that President Tinubu’s mediation was instrumental in ensuring he and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, remained in office.
“Without the President’s intervention, the situation could have escalated beyond control,” Fubara said, urging his supporters to extend their appreciation to the President for what he termed a “peace-saving move.”
The governor also expressed thanks to his supporters and Nigerians who stood by him during the turbulent political period, recognizing their loyalty and the power of their prayers. However, he cautioned that protests and street demonstrations alone cannot resolve complex political conflicts.
Addressing those who may have been disillusioned by his approach during the crisis, Fubara sought forgiveness, stating that his actions were guided by a commitment to peace and the state’s long-term stability. He emphasized his dedication to reconciliation, particularly with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my oga,” he stated, revealing that several peace meetings had taken place, including some held at Wike’s residence, following President Tinubu’s intervention.
Although the governor lamented his inability to commission new projects on the symbolic date of May 29, he said he remained grateful for the solidarity demonstrated by his supporters through the event held in his honour.
Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months by President Tinubu following a protracted political crisis that deeply divided the state’s leadership.
