EXCERPT: Activist Annkio Briggs says Governor Fubara has been denied governance for two years despite his adherence to the law.
Renowned human rights activist and environmentalist Annkio Briggs has decried the challenges facing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that he has not been allowed to govern effectively for the past two years.
Briggs, speaking on the ongoing political turmoil in the state, during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, emphasised that despite Fubara’s commitment to peace and adherence to the law, he has faced continuous obstacles that have hindered his administration.
“For two years, this governor has not been allowed to govern at all, and he has two years left before his next election comes up,” she said.
She further criticised the influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike over the state’s affairs, insisting that Fubara should not be subject to the control of his predecessor.
“I don’t believe that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be at the mercy of the past governor of Rivers State,” Briggs asserted.
She defended Fubara’s leadership style, noting that his peaceful approach should not be mistaken for weakness.
“He has stated over and over again that he will not run foul of the law. So far, we have to be fair to him—he has not purposefully disobeyed any court ruling. That should not give the impression that he is a weak person or that the people of Rivers State do not know what they want,” she added.
Briggs’ remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State. Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, has called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to do so could lead to impeachment.
Okocha made this statement while dismissing Fubara’s invitation to the 27 state lawmakers for a meeting as a “Greek gift.” The governor had invited the legislators to discuss a recent court ruling in Port Harcourt, but they declined to honor the invitation.
The standoff between the executive and legislative arms of the state government continues to fuel political instability, raising concerns about governance and the future of Rivers State’s leadership.
