Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has firmly rejected the notion of a divided State Assembly, unequivocally stating that the three-member legislative body led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo is the only legitimate arm of the state government. This declaration, reported by PUNCH, signals a hardening of the Governor’s stance and suggests a breakdown in reconciliation efforts with dissenting lawmakers.
Speaking on the matter, Governor Fubara sought to clarify any perceived ambiguity surrounding the Assembly’s composition. “I want to say this, maybe for some persons somewhere who are still mixing up issues. We have only one Assembly and that Assembly is headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo,” he asserted.
The Governor employed a vivid metaphor to describe the actions of a group, widely understood to be referring to the dissenting members of the Assembly. He likened their actions to a “sea-bared journey,” where individuals “halfway through the vessel, while they were coasting, realized that they were entering the den of devils and sharks, and they now want to retreat.” This imagery paints a picture of lawmakers who embarked on a course of action without fully considering the potential consequences and are now seeking to reverse their decisions.
However, Governor Fubara made it clear that such a retreat is no longer an option. “It is too late, and the truth is that we are not going back,” he emphasized, indicating a firm resolve not to revisit the current arrangement.
Furthermore, Fubara addressed the issue of alleged provocations and insults directed at him by the dissenting group. He claimed to have exercised significant restraint in the face of these actions. “We have given them enough room for peace. There is no governor in Nigeria who can take the kind of insult I took from those set of people,” he stated, suggesting that his patience has been exhausted.
The Governor concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of Rivers State. “As it stands now, our major target is the interest of Rivers State, and we will continue to defend the integrity of governance. As far as I am concerned, we have moved on.” This statement underscores Fubara’s determination to prioritize governance and stability in the state, even amidst the ongoing political turmoil. It also sends a strong message that he considers the matter closed and is unwilling to engage in further negotiations with the dissenting lawmakers. The situation in Rivers State’s legislative branch remains tense, with the Governor’s pronouncements further solidifying the existing divide.