A former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has stated that despite the ongoing crisis in the state, nobody can remove Siminalayi Fubara as Governor. Ihunwo made this declaration in response to alleged plots by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to position the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, an Ikwerre man, to govern the state.
Ihunwo criticized Amaewhule’s purported ambition to become governor through the “back door,” insisting that such a move would be strongly resisted. He emphasized that the people of Rivers State would not allow Amaewhule to become governor, stating, “Nobody can remove Governor Fubara. I urge Rivers people to remain resolute in their support for the governor.”
“Amaewhule cannot be acting governor; it won’t work. Let him focus on his lawmaking because we will not allow him to become governor,” Ihunwo added. He noted that it was unfair for the Ikwerre people, who have governed Rivers State for 16 years, to deny other ethnic groups their turn.
Ihunwo warned that any attempt to undermine the principle of equity could plunge the state into crisis. He emphasized that the Riverine people would complete their tenure, maintaining that their support for Fubara to complete his tenure is a “fight to the finish.”
“We will not engage in any war, but we will peacefully continue to enjoy victory,” Ihunwo said. “I am not shaken by what is happening in the state. Politics is a game. Whatever has the sweet side also has the bitter side, so we are strongly standing with Fubara.”
Ihunwo also apologized to the Ijaw ethnic nationality over controversial remarks made by Wike during a recent live media chat in Abuja. He described Wike’s comments as a trigger for ethnic discord, stating, “What is happening is the selfish interest of one man trying to own Rivers State, but we will not allow one man to own our state.”
The former council boss berated lawmakers of the State House of Assembly for locking the entrance gate of the State Assembly quarters and preventing Governor Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill. However, Ihunwo commended President Bola Tinubu for his strides in improving national security and advised him to be wary of persons within his cabinet whom he alleged are working against his good governance agenda.
Ihunwo applauded Rivers people for supporting Fubara irrespective of the challenges, assuring them that the crisis would soon be over.
*Crisis Details:*
– _State:_ Rivers State
– _Governor:_ Siminalayi Fubara
– _Minister of FCT:_ Nyesom Wike
– _Speaker:_ Martins Amaewhule
The situation in Rivers State remains tense, with various factions vying for power. However, Ihunwo’s statement has made it clear that Fubara’s supporters will not back down.