Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, declared on Thursday that he has overcome his political battles, asserting that his opponents have been defeated and are now uneasy. Addressing the national and state leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed satisfaction with his triumph over those who sought to unseat him.
Amid the ongoing feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the governor’s assertion comes shortly after surviving an impeachment attempt by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike last October. More recently, nine members of his cabinet, also loyal to Wike, resigned on Wednesday.
Fubara commended the Ijaw Youth Council for their solidarity during a walk to celebrate Isaac Adaka Boro Day. “I appreciate your support and the assurance that you are with me, but there is nothing to call on you for because we have already defeated them,” Fubara stated confidently.
The solidarity walk was part of the annual commemoration of Major Isaac Adaka Boro’s heroic exploits. Boro, a key figure in the Niger Delta struggle, formed the Niger Delta Volunteer Force in 1966 and declared the Niger Delta Republic before being defeated by federal forces. He was later granted amnesty, joined the Nigerian Army, and fought for the Federal Government during the civil war until his death in 1968.
Addressing the Ijaw youths, Fubara urged the Ijaw Nation to embrace the ongoing celebration of liberation in the state. “By the special grace of God, what they thought they would do to us while we were celebrating our one year in office, they are the ones now sleeping with their two eyes open. It shows that we have the Ijaw blood. And what is that blood? It is the blood of action; less talk, more action,” he proclaimed.
Fubara honored Boro’s legacy of equity, justice, and fair play, emphasizing the common purpose of liberation shared by all genuine Rivers people. “Every Rivers man, whether Ijaw or upland, must be a liberator,” he said. “We are not going back on that.”
The governor also thanked the IYC for their assurances of support and urged them to conduct themselves peacefully during the celebration of Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day, reflecting the victory over his political detractors.
In his speech, IYC National President Jonathan Lokpobiri described the day as historic, calling for detractors to allow Governor Fubara, who holds the people’s mandate, to perform his duties. He praised Fubara for his courage and commitment to good governance, resonating with the hope of all Ijaw people.
Eastern Zone IYC Chairman, Tamuno Kpokpo, emphasized that the visit was not a sign of ethnic conflict but a demonstration of support for the continuous development of Rivers State. He vowed that the IYC would resist any efforts to disrupt governance in the state.
Fubara’s declaration and the IYC’s solidarity mark a significant moment in Rivers State’s political landscape, reinforcing the governor’s position and the support of his people.
