A coalition of civil society organizations and political analysts has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to safeguard the autonomy of Rivers State and refrain from interfering in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
Addressing a press conference after a crucial meeting at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt on Friday, the coalition highlighted key reasons behind their plea, citing the fundamental principles of democracy as the cornerstone.
In the communique read after the meeting by their spokesperson, Ambassador Kingdom Ojadi, the coalition emphasized that maintaining autonomy upholds the rule of law, fosters public trust, and protects the sovereignty of Rivers State within the Nigerian federal structure.
Ojadi who is the Secretary-General of Liberty Advocates Mandate (LAM), a group that is focused on championing individual freedoms, human rights, and civil liberties within the state’s governance framework, emphasized that respecting autonomy aligns with democratic ideals and allows Governor Fubara the freedom to govern according to the state’s unique needs.
Moreover, the coalition stressed that interference could disrupt the efficient functioning of governance, potentially hindering progress and development in Rivers State.
They emphasized the significance of unity, stability, and economic growth that autonomy brings to the state urging the Minister to consider the long-term interests of the state and support Governor Fubara’s administration without undue interference.
Recall that the FCT Minister had in a media chat in Abuja, last week, accused Governor Fubara of destroying the political structure that made him governor.
Wike had during the chat said: “We never knew that it will take you three months to scatter the political structure that picked you up. What is painful is seeing these propaganda and lies that I was angry. Did he (Fubara) buy form? Be grateful in your life in all circumstances.
“I will not allow anybody to crumble our political structure. I told him if you do this ring-road your second tenure would be assured, I took him to Germany to meet Julius Berger and they promised to do the road in three years which is the year leading to election. I told him if you do this road nobody will challenge you in Rivers State.
“Anything that will make me disrespect Mr. President, count me out, he disobeyed the President, disobeyed the Vice President. When the law speaks, thuggery, militancy, and ethnicity will run away.”
The coalition however described the Minister’s actions as distracting, urging him to allow Governor Fubara “drink water and drop the cup”.
Their words, “Governor Fubara doesn’t need distractions now. He is busy steering the ship of State towards progress and development. His meticulous approach and unwavering dedication to the betterment of our state are evident in the strides made across various sectors. Wike should, please allow our governor to drink water and drop the cup”, they stated, adding that the FCT Minister’s interference threatens to disrupt this positive momentum.