Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has publicly dismissed widespread reports of a breakdown in his relationship with state and national assembly members, labeling such narratives as “pure lies.” The governor’s forceful rebuttal comes at a critical juncture, just one day after his high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Ahoada–Omoku Road project, Governor Fubara addressed the political tensions head-on. He insisted that he holds no personal grievance against the legislators. According to a report by Channels TV, the governor detailed his efforts to broker a meeting, revealing that the responsibility to convene it was placed on his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“I personally do not have any disagreements or any anger anywhere with my members of the National Assembly, even of the state,” Fubara stated. He explained his position further, noting, “I have made every effort… the arrangement wasn’t for me to call them directly. It was for my leader, the minister, to arrange the meeting, which up to this hour has not been fixed.” This admission, captured in a video shared by Arise TV, places the delay in dialogue squarely on the logistical arrangement with Wike and other party leaders.
The governor directly challenged claims that he has been avoiding or snubbing the lawmakers. “When people go about saying I don’t want to meet them… that is a pure lie. I don’t have any reason to do that,” he asserted. Fubara emphasized his readiness to address their needs for the sake of peace but expressed caution about acting unilaterally to avoid creating division. “I’m a gentleman and a very principled person… I have suffered so much because of a single story,” he added, hinting at a feeling of being misrepresented in the ongoing political saga.
Fubara’s comments serve as a direct appeal to the Rivers State House of Assembly, urging the Speaker and members to ignore rumors of his hostility. His defection to the APC marks a significant realignment in the state’s politics, which has been dominated by a prolonged struggle for control between his camp and that of his predecessor. In his speech, he linked the state’s development prospects directly to political stability, warning that progress is impossible amid crisis.
He concluded by directing his appeal to the people of Rivers State, asking for unity and support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “We are now out… ready to move everywhere to preach without any limitation the gospel of Asiwaju in Rivers State,” Fubara declared, signaling a new phase of political activity. He reassured residents that his administration remains focused on development, with the newly commissioned road presented as evidence of his commitment to improving infrastructure and socio-economic conditions.