•••SAYS ALL UNDERSTANDINGS WITH WIKE HAVE BERN KEPT
The Governor of Rivers State, Mr Sim Fubara has lamented the burning of some local government secretariats by arsonists on Monday.
Thugs protesting the successful conduct of local government elections in the state attacked and set ablaze the secretariats of Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio-Akpo and Eleme Local Government areas of the state.
The Governor who spoke while appearing on Channels TV Politics Today on Monday, wondered how his opponents got to the curiously low level burning down state government owned properties because of political differences.
The Governor wondered how the beautiful Ikwerre Local Government Secretariat built by the immediate past chairman was razed down by the same people.
He said it was his expectation that the police would stay to protect the elected officials to take over the councils.
He said that the decision of the police to pull out of the councils following the IGP’s directive created room for the destruction wreaked on the counci
The Governor who admitted that that that the disagreement had to do with power and control said that Rivers people had a responsibility to protect state properties.
He said, “This is very unfortunate
It was in the Early hours of this morning, that we heard of the burning of a section of Eleme Local Government Secretariat; Ikwerre, Emouha, and Obio-Akpo local government areas. This is really unfortunate.
“Why do we need to do this. Election has come and gone. This is the time for governance. The Ikwerre local government area was built by the immediate past chairman. It was his legacy project. I hear that that they were planning to attack LGAs. Why do we need to go this low.
“My meekness is not being weak. Rivers is our state. We need to protect what we have.”
Responding further on what was at the root of the crisis, he said “It has to do with the issue of power and control… May be somebody feels I am higher than the authority in power.”
Fubara explained that he had kept all understandings with his estranged godfather, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
“I don’t think there is any understanding that I have not kept. That’s the truth. I honestly will not want to discuss these issues.” He added
He called on all parties involved to embrace peace saying the crisis was taking a huge toll on governance.
“I am not happy that the state is being heard in connection with insecurity….
“I will be willing to work with the police and the DSS to protect the state. I assure you that I have the guts but I also control what I do.
“My concern is not structure. My concern is to make sure the state is functional. I am not contesting leadership of PDP with anybody; I just want peace in my state.” He added
Fubar also said that he doesn’t have any issues with the President’s statement calling for peace and order in the state strressing that everybody in Nigeria knows where the issue is coming from.
He said that he was ready to do everything to ensure that peace is restored in the state.
“There is nothing I have not done for peace to reign. I have even had to beg, for peace to reign. If there is anything I have to do for peace to reign, I will do it.” He concluded
