Rivers: They will reject the Gov They Also Elected and Reject Whoever Is the Godfather- Nwibubasa (Video)

According to a video shared by Arise News TV, the political atmosphere in Rivers State remains tense as unresolved tensions continue to surround the fragile peace accord between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and political mentor, Minister Nyesom Wike.

Amid growing uncertainty and public skepticism, a former Rivers State commissioner, Mr. Nwibubasa, has raised the alarm that citizens may soon turn against both men if the details of their recent truce are not made public and inclusive of the people’s voices.

In an interview granted to Arise Tv, Nwibubasa emphasized that the peace agreement reportedly brokered during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not remain private or vague.

He pointed out that transparency is crucial for long-term stability and trust in leadership. According to him, the people of Rivers State—who are the true stakeholders—have the right to be informed and consulted regarding any agreement that affects their political future and governance.

Nwibubasa noted that the prolonged dispute between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike has disrupted governance and created a political divide in the state. While the recent handshake and photo-op between the two leaders may suggest reconciliation, he warned that the public deserves more than symbolic gestures. He argued that citizens must be briefed on the actual terms of the deal to determine whether it serves the collective interest of Rivers people or simply settles political differences between two powerful individuals.

“Fubara should tell the people what was agreed upon and convince them to support it. If the peace deal is only between him and Wike, it will cause more problems, just like before,” Nwibubasa stated during the interview.

He recalled that Governor Fubara had previously hinted at being pressured into decisions that were not in the best interest of the state. Now, with a new agreement in place, he questioned whether those harmful pressures have been resolved or if they are being silently reinforced under the guise of peace.

Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in governance, the former commissioner expressed concern that a top-down approach to peacebuilding could backfire. He asserted that Rivers citizens have endured too much political drama and deserve respect and accountability from their elected leaders. He urged the governor to host a stakeholders’ forum where details of the peace deal could be discussed openly with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society representatives.

“When these citizens are not carried along in this peace process, or whatever tenets of the peace don't go down well with the people, of course, the people have the right to reject it, and they will reject both the peace process. They will reject the governor that they also elected and reject whoever is the godfather,” he warned, clearly referencing the role of Minister Wike in the current political arrangement.

Nwibubasa further argued that the ongoing silence surrounding the deal could lead to renewed unrest. According to him, the people of Rivers have consistently been sidelined in political decisions, and continued exclusion may lead to a total loss of trust in both Fubara and Wike.

He concluded with a call for transparency, urging the state government to stop taking the public for granted. He stressed that leadership must reflect the will and interest of the people, not just those of political elites.

As political observers await Governor Fubara’s next move, many are watching to see whether he will heed the advice to engage his people openly and honestly. With tensions still simmering under the surface, how this situation is handled could determine not just the success of the peace accord, but also the political future of both men involved.