- Fubara will be returned in 2027, says Bala Mohammed
- True Rivers people with us, gov boasts; hails judiciary
- Ganduje: State is APC’s next target; we’ve secured Edo, Cross River
The All Progressives Congresss (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear to have kick started a mind game over the 2027 governorship race in Rivers State with either side yesterday boasting of its chances in the election.
The PDP, which has produced all the governors that have ruled the state since the restoration of democratic rule in 1999, including the incumbent, Siminialayi Fubara, declared that the people of the state would have no difficulty reelecting the governor.
The APC, still savouring its recent victories in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, said it was ready to add Rivers to the kitty.
National chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, said having taken Edo and Cross Rivers states, the party was not about to relent in making further inroads in the South-South which has traditionally been controlled by the PDP.
Fubara is currently locked in a face-off with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who played a huge role in installing him in office.
Wike is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and controls the party’s state structure.
He is also not in the good books of some PDP bigwigs in the state and the national level, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed who, yesterday, appeared to aim some digs at the minister during a visit to Rivers State.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi Road in the state, Mohammed expressed confidence that the people of the state would re-elect Fubara in 2027.
He described Fubara as a good, sincere and simple man and advised Rivers people to follow him because doing so “will lead to success and not destruction.”
In a veiled reference to the face- off between Fubara and Wike, the Bauchi State governor said: “Mr. Governor, I must apologise for underestimating you. When you told me that there was no need to join issues and that there was no need to engage in unnecessary talk, I did not fully grasp it.
“You are never provoked, and today I have witnessed the attestation of that. In the midst of all distractions, I see work being done. I watched on television, and now I see the impact mentioned by the Commissioner of Works on this road.
“As a literary scientist, I truly understand the departure, the social impact, the change of mindset and the re-grooming or restoration of Rivers State as the cradle of modern politics in Nigeria.
“When I used to urge you, ‘Sim, you are not doing anything’, you would respond simply and respectfully, ‘please, sir, there is God. Don’t worry’. Today, I have every reason not to worry because of what I have seen.
“You are doing very well; you are carrying the people along. All the elders are with you. Those that matter in Rivers State are with you, and the community has spoken. The traditional rulers have spoken, and as a member of a royal family, I understand how they felt before and how they feel now.
“The young people who came here, the students, their euphoria was heartfelt, and they spoke from the depths of their hearts. You stopped me from joining issues with others, and through this, I’ve learned that the pedigree of individuals in politics should not be judged by the time they spend in politics or in limelight.
“You have taught us that young people are indeed the hope of tomorrow—not even us. Good governance is being bequeathed to the people of Rivers State with humility and simplicity.”
Mohammed, who also congratulated Fubara on the Court of Appeal judgement that restored the payment of revenue allocation to the state from the federal revenue, added:”This is also why I believe politicians should know when to step aside and give room for others to perform instead of sabotaging efforts or engaging in actions that negatively impact their immediate environment.
“Such conduct is unacceptable to me and it is the reason we are parting ways with some individuals.”
Mohammed called for respect for the Federal Government, saying the governors believe in President Bola Tinubu and the federation.
But he asked the President to remove from his cabinet those he claimed were creating a bad image to make him fail.
His words: “Some individuals in your cabinet are creating a bad image, making you fail. We do not want you to fail because we will all be affected.
“In my religion and tradition, we are taught to pray for leaders, because when the leaders are good, the country and the communities will also be good.
“We are still praying that you open your eyes, discard these excess baggage and bring in competent people. We mean well. We are not just criticising but calling for corrections so that you can succeed. If you succeed, we all succeed.”
Turning to Fubara, he said: “Mr. Governor, you are succeeding, and I am very happy. I am returning contented and will no longer pester you with advice, because your performance speaks for itself. You seem more like a field marshal than a general. I respect you, and I always learn from good practices.
“Omuma, which was once forgotten, is now mainstreamed. Justice and equity, community engagement, respect for constituted authorities, elders and youths, these are the hallmarks of governance under you.
“With little resources, you have achieved so much despite distractions. This is why I end today on a good note.”
In his remarks, Governor Fubara said the true leaders of the state were with him and that they were not inviting just anyone for project inauguration.
The governor also hailed the judiciary for the latest judgement of the Court of Appeal that restored the state’s revenue allocations.
He said: “We are not just inviting anyhow persons (sic); we are inviting people who have special grace. And the people that are following us are the true leaders of the state, who also have the grace that is bringing the pride of Rivers State.”
He said people were beginning to see the reason why they should not for any reason depend on just one person for development.
He alleged that the council was once under siege by one person but has been liberated by his administration.
He said: “If not what God has done, where would these people have been today? So, we need to give God all the glory and even for those things we considered things, we have to say God thank you for making it happen.
“In my place, we used to say let bad thing happen so that good things will happen. I can see that good thing is happening here today.
“We are here. I don’t want to sing the praises of this administration because governance is about serving the people, providing services, protecting lives and property. But if we don’t tell our story, nobody is going to tell it for us.
“So, I have decided to tell the world, to showcase what we are doing. When they thought we were being emasculated we were behind the scene working, and this is one of those things that we have done quietly to showcase that the interest of our people is paramount in our administration.”
The ceremony came 24 hours after political associates and admirers of Wike joined him in celebrating his 57th birthday in Port Harcourt.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was Special Guest of Honour at a Public Lecture and Book Launch to mark the Minister’s birthday, faulted Fubara on his handling of the political crisis that has pitted him against Wike, the Speaker and the majority of the members of the State House of Assembly as well as many stakeholders in his own party, PDP.
Ganduje: Rivers is APC’s next target
Ganduje was no less optimistic about the chances of the APC in the Rivers State governorship election in 2027.
Inaugurating the Tony Okocha-led executive council of the party in the state, Ganduje said the APC was making gains in a zone traditionally controlled by the PDP.
“You are from the South-South geo-politcal zone where the zone was dominated by the PDP. But you are fully aware that during the Buhari administration, we were able to take one state, Cross River, from the PDP,” he said.
“And in the present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, we were able to win squarely in Edo State. Out of six states in the zone, we have recovered two. Rivers State is our target. Rivers, we are here for you. Rivers, you are on the way.”
The APC chairman told the new APC leaders to work in unity and expand the party’s membership,
“Use your political dexterity to ensure that our party moves forward. Strengthen the party in your constituencies. It is absolutely necessary.
“It is your responsibility to ensure that there is peace and you must ensure an effective conflict resolution mechanism.
“As leaders of the party I believe you are equal to the task,” he said.
