RIVERS CRISIS: Governor Fubara exposes plans by security agency to arrest persons because they are close to him

By KEMI KASUMU

“You know, let me tell you, there is a report I just got now that, with what is happening, some persons have already been penciled in for arrest because they are close to me. I might not be surprised by tomorrow when you hear their names have been declared wanted. I can tell you,” said Governor Fubara.

In order to avoid situation where wrong steps by security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force will cause avoidable compounding of already created unrest in the land, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reportedly bursted a plan to arrest some people with regard to the crisis.

He spoke just as some members of the state community said DPO in each of the local governments burnt on Monday knew those that carried out the arson during which life was lost and injuries recorded.

Governor Fubara, who had said every Nigerian within and outside the state knows where the politically motivated destructions were coming from and that they were not from his supporters, voiced deep concern that the unrest was having negative impact on his administration’s developmental efforts.

In a recent video on Channels Television, Fubara expressed frustration that constant crises were overshadowing his achievements, making it difficult for the public to recognize the progress being made.

“What’s essential to me is restoring normalcy in Rivers State,” Fubara emphasized.

Frequent disruptions caused by various groups, including political factions and security agencies, are undermining the state’s progress, the governor stressed, adding that the unrest is multifaceted, involving multiple sources, and not limited to a single faction.

Fubara highlighted the toll this unrest takes on public perception, saying, “The only thing everyone is hearing is one crisis or another.”

He added that he must personally inform the public about his administration’s accomplishments, as they often go unnoticed amidst the chaos.

The governor also revealed alarming reports of targeted arrests, suggesting some individuals close to him may be declared wanted due to their association.

This statement underscores the complexity and intensity of the ongoing tensions.

As the situation continues to unfold, Governor Fubara’s call for normalcy and stability remains crucial for the state’s development and progress.

The international community and local residents alike were said to be watching closely and eager for a resolution to the crisis.

Fubara’s administration, we gathered, has made significant strides in development, but the ongoing unrest threatens to undermine these efforts.

The governor’s plea for peace and stability echoes the sentiments of many Rivers State residents, who seek a return to normalcy and progress.

In the video watched by The DEFENDER, when asked if he would be willing to give if the opportunity for making peace arises, Governor Siminalayi Fubara told Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of the interview, in the affirmative.

“Seun, there is nothing I have not done to make peace. I can quote names here, I can quote names but let me leave it. There is nothing I have not done on this earth for peace to reign. I can tell you the number of time that I knelt down to beg that ‘Let’s allow this issue to go’ but, you know, like I said, I don’t really want to talk about this thing.

“I have done everything. Even as at today, there is anything that I can do orbthere is anyway we can get to a point of making peace, I assure you I’m willing to do it because peace is important to me.

“What is important to me is let Rivers State be norma. With all the problems we are having, the wonderful jobs we are doing are not seen because of the crisis. It’s only when I come back I tell people I’m doing doing this tgey nowadays ‘You mean this what is going on innthe state?’ Because the only thing everybody is hearing is one crisis or another.

“If it’s not from some set of members, then it’s from another group of people. If it’s not from this group, it’s from one area or one security agency.

“You know, let me tell you, there is a report I just got now that, with what is happening, some persons have already been penciled down for arrest because they are close to me.

“I might not be surprised by tomorrow when you hear their names have been declared wanted. I can tell you,” Governor Fubara said.