The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has declared its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst the escalating political tensions in the state, and commended him (Fubara) for his courage and determination in standing firm and resolute in defending the interests of the people of Rivers state.
Penpushing reports that the forum led by Rufus Ada-George, a former Governor declared their support for Fubara at a press conference held in Port Harcourt, and praised the Governor for demonstrating courage and maintaining a peaceful stance despite unwarranted provocations by certain politicians in the state.
‘We commend Fubara for his courage and determination in standing firm and resolute in defending the interests of the people of Rivers state. The governor, his team, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission have been bold in upholding democracy and democratic values’, he added
Penpushing further reports that the forum equally expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his interventions aimed at reducing political tensions in the state, however, criticised him for allegedly failing to admonish the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his role in the crises.
“President Tinubu has called for peace and advised aggrieved political parties and individuals dissatisfied with the outcome of the local government elections to seek redress through the courts. However, the failure to mention Wike, a key figure in the political crises, sends the wrong signal’, the body stated
Penpushing also reports that Ada-George pointed out that the battle for political structures and influence in the state was over, as the people had made their choices in the recently concluded local government elections, declaring that the people were the true custodians of political structures and urged dissenting voices to remain silent.
‘The people of Rivers have now restructured, and any resort to violence and arson will not benefit us. Therefore, we call on the police to promptly implement President Tinubu’s directive to secure local government offices, maintain law and order and protect lives and property,” he said.
Penpushing reports that forum commended residents of the state for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the elections, while on his part Gabriel Toby, a former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, expressed confidence in the ability of the police to maintain peace in the state.
The former number two citizen of the state reaffirmed the forum’s trust in the law enforcement agencies’ ability to carry out their duties despite concerns over police partisan actions before the elections.
Penpushing further reports that other notable forum’s membership include Ochegomie Fingesi, retired rear admiral and former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, John Kalio, a retired group captain and former military administrator of Yobe, Andrew Uchendu, foremost environmental and rights activist, Annkio Briggs, and Anabs Sara-Igbe, among others.
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