RIVERS CRISIS: GOV FUBARA REPLIES PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU 

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has voiced his concerns over being singled out in President Bola Tinubu’s statement regarding the recent destruction of local government secretariats in the state. While acknowledging the President’s intervention, Fubara expressed unease during a Monday night interview on Channels TV, questioning why only his name was mentioned in connection to the unrest.

Violent clashes erupted earlier that day across several local government areas following the withdrawal of police officers from 23 council secretariats. Newly elected local government chairmen attempting to assume office were met with resistance, leading to arson and gunfire in some locations.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu ordered the police to re-secure the secretariats and urged Governor Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters to exercise restraint.

Fubara responded by emphasizing that he is not the cause of the unrest. He attributed the chaos to the police withdrawal, which, he said, enabled hoodlums to take advantage of the situation. “Everyone in Rivers State knows where this issue is coming from. It’s not rocket science. The issue is not Fubara,” he stated. He further called on the police to provide adequate security to allow the elected officials to carry out their duties.