Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, said that while he appreciates the roles played by past leaders, including his predecessor Nyesom Wike, in his ascension of office, that was not enough for him to worship a human being.
Fubara insisted that there was nothing wrong with one helping another person, but that does not mean the helper should take the place of God.
Fubara spoke when he received a visit from the Bayelsa State delegation of political and traditional leaders, led by former Governor of the State, Senator Seriake Dickson, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
This was in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.
Fubara and Wike have been at loggerheads over the political crisis rocking the state.
Although President Bola Tinubu had, at some points, intervened, the disagreement continued.
The statement quoted the governor as saying that as long as he was concerned, God would remain God, who could sometimes cause one’s enemy to be a willing vessel to bring about one’s promotion in life.
He said, “God can do anything He wants to do when He wants to do it. It is only for us to realise that. God will not come down from Heaven but will pass through one man or woman to achieve His purpose.
“So, for that reason, when we act, we act as humans; human vessels that God has used, and not seeing yourself as God.
“I want to say this clearly that we appreciate the role our leaders, most especially the immediate past governor, played. But that is not enough for me to worship a human being. I can’t do that.”
Fubara added that in seeking a peaceful resolution to the political crisis that erupted in the state last year, he had attended several reconciliation meetings, whose resolutions the other party had rebuffed.
The governor maintained that he had acted like the big brother in the crisis, not interested in destroying the ‘house’ so that meaningful development could continue to be engendered in the state while securing a tenable political relationship.
The statement further quoted Fubara as saying, “But I know that I have always taken the path of peace. I have shown respect. I’ve subjected myself to every meeting of reconciliation for peace.
“And what happens, each time we come out from such meetings, we are faced with one thunder or lightning.”
The governor pointed out that when he assumed office, it was with the resolve to build on the existing foundation of the development of past leaders, especially the immediate past governor.
Fubara emphasized that it would have been out of the ordinary to engage in any political fight when there was so much work to be done for the state and its people as their governor.
The governor said he strongly felt that it was proper to set some records straight about what had become of a minor problem that was not uncommon in every human relationship.
He said, “But it is a bad thing when the problem that ought not to be anything, becomes something, and in fact, gets out of the bedroom to the sitting room and to the compound. That is the case of Rivers State today.
The speaker is glad that someone mentioned the issues, even though he has a lot of power. He has been patient and thinks that anyone who has been following the situation in the state knows that he has acted like a big brother during this crisis.
The speaker claims that he has not acted recklessly like a young person who wants to destroy things, but rather has behaved maturely. He believes that meaningful progress cannot happen in a crisis.
The speaker wants to build on the work of past leaders in Rivers State, so it would be wrong for him to encourage conflict.
The speaker attributes the development in Rivers State to the efforts of the government.
Fubara criticized the Martin Amaewhule-led group of lawmakers, stating that they are no longer recognized as lawmakers by the law.
The speaker declared that the group of men claiming to be assembly members do not actually exist, and he wants it to be on record.
The speaker stated that he accepted the peace agreement to give them a soft landing and highlighted that it was a political solution, not a constitutional issue.
The speaker explained that he helped the people involved in many ways, and even though they have disagreements, he believes they could come together in the future, which is why he accepted the peace accord.
The speaker mentioned that he allowed the group to exist and recognized them, but now feels the need to make a statement to clarify that they are not acknowledged anymore.
The governor emphasized that he has never instructed the police to harass anyone and has not asked anyone to act against others. He expressed concern that those supporting him are being harassed and arrested.
The speaker highlighted that those supporting him are facing harassment, arrests, and false accusations every week.
The speaker pointed out that he believes he has shown restraint in the face of the crisis, unlike the other party.
The speaker stated that despite having the power to create havoc, he has chosen to prioritize peace instead.
The speaker emphasized that he is the one who is suffering the most, despite having the power to cause significant disruption. However, he chooses not to because he believes peace is crucial.
Fubara expressed gratitude to the delegation for showing support and emphasized the importance of unity between Rivers State and Bayelsa State for their mutual development.
He stressed the need for unity between the two states to promote their economic growth, despite being separated for political reasons.
There's no need for us to argue about possessions, or disagree about who owns what.
In one way or another, we are interconnected. That's the truth. So, there's no need to fight.
The governor stated that he visited Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State to put an end to the unhealthy relationship that existed in past administrations.
We had a meeting and fortunately, we developed a very good relationship. He consistently supports me, even when my commissioner withholds information, he informs me.
You don't understand the difficulties I am facing. I am working with my adversaries. Just imagine your Attorney-General attempting to undermine you. It was that bad. But, they will get what they deserve.
If I hadn't reconciled with my brother, I would have been in a worse situation. I'm already reaping the benefits of that peaceful relationship.
Fubara also expressed regret that Rivers State was in a prolonged political crisis due to the absence of fair-minded leaders to mediate impartially.
The leader of the delegation, former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, mentioned that their visit was to express solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the mature conduct of Rivers people during the political crisis, aiming for stability and progress.
He mentioned, "We can agree that no true brother or good neighbor would stay indifferent when their brother or neighbor is in trouble. Even a small issue should concern a good brother or neighbor."
We are here as your brothers and good neighbors, as well as representatives of the people of Rivers State because this State is our Mother State.
Our visit is to show support and unity with you, your Government, and most importantly, to express solidarity with the people of this State.
We also bring a message of peace, forgiveness, unity, mutual respect, political maturity, and tolerance to all.
He further added that peace and progress in Rivers State would benefit the people of Bayelsa State, and any crisis in the State would also negatively affect his people. He urged all parties to allow peace to prevail.
