Rivers State Governor, Similaya Fubara, criticized the Martin Amaewhule-led group of lawmakers in the state House of Assembly and stated that they are no longer recognized in the eyes of the law.
“I want to make it clear that the men who claim to be assembly members do not exist. I want that to be on the record,” Fubara stated.
The governor made this statement during a courtesy visit from the Bayelsa State delegation of political and traditional leaders, led by former Governor of the State, Senator Seriake Dickson, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Fubara and 26 assembly members loyal to former governor, Nyesom Wike, have been in conflict after an attempt to impeach the governor was stopped.
He informed the delegation that he has been holding back since the political crisis intensified in the state.
The governor also mentioned that despite having state powers at his disposal to achieve his goal, he has chosen to act as the bigger person in the face of intimidation and unwarranted attacks.
“So, I want you to recognize the sacrifices I have made to maintain peace in our state. I can confidently say that I have never instructed the police to harass anyone.
“I have never incited anyone to take action against others. But what about the people who support me? They are being harassed, arrested, and detained.
“Every week, someone comes here with a letter of invitation for false charges and other things,” he stated.
The governor further explained, “I am saying all this because of what my senior said here. I don’t believe the other party has shown any restraint. I am the one who has shown restraint amidst this crisis.
“I am the one who has been greatly affected, even though I have all the government tools to disrupt the situation. But why would I do that? I believe that peace is the best approach to take.”
He disclosed that he has consistently attended all meetings called to resolve the state's crisis, but after each one, he faced a new twist in the crisis from the opposing side.
However, he promised to continue to be peaceful, acknowledging that power is temporary.
“We may have our differences, but I believe that one day, we could also come together. However, the time has come for me to declare that they do not exist. Their existence depends on my recognition. If I deny it, they are nowhere. I want you to understand the sacrifices I have made to maintain peace in our state,” he concluded.
