Chijioke Ihunwo, the former chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, has pointed to external factors as the root cause of the political turmoil in Rivers State, asserting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has done nothing deserving of impeachment.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Saturday, Ihunwo remarked that the crisis persists despite attempts by the presidency to intervene, as certain politicians are not permitting the elected governor to operate freely without fear of harassment or manipulation. He emphasized that Rivers State belongs to its citizens, not to any individual or political figure.
"Rivers State belongs to us all, and the people of Rivers elected an individual to oversee the administration of our state. This individual was chosen by the people, not on behalf of anyone else," he stated.
Ihunwo suggested that the State Assembly should not be swayed by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, who he claims is directing their actions. He questioned, "What wrong has the governor committed that warrants such actions?"
He accused the Federal Capital Territory Minister of meddling with the assembly's operations, asserting that the assembly has become susceptible to his influence. "They seem intent on ousting the governor. What offense has he committed? They are also looking to remove the deputy governor. What has he done?" he continued.
He contended that many lawmakers appear to have forsaken their constitutional autonomy and noted that several of them were part of previous administrations, during which they would not have engaged in similar behaviors. "Many of these assembly members were part of the ninth assembly under the previous governor. You can invite them to your studio and ask if they would have participated in such actions back then. They are afraid to confront the governor even now," he said.
He questioned, "Would they dare to confront the governor or their associates in the manner they do now? They are aware of what I am saying. I have many friends within the assembly, and they expressed their frustrations when the former governor was in office. We weren't making any progress, and they're not in a similar situation now."
Concerning the debates around the 2025 budget, Ihunwo clarified that a legitimate appropriation was already established. "As for the 2025 budget, the administrator, Ebas, prepared a budget, which was presented to the President, who subsequently returned it to the National Assembly with approval as a working document for Rivers. Following the emergency rule, the governor continued from where the administrator left off, yet the assembly insists the governor needs to submit a supplementary budget. The governor maintains that the National Assembly's approved budget is still valid, but they have rejected it."
Ihunwo cautioned that the ongoing political instability could be detrimental to Rivers State's economy, resulting in reduced investor confidence and pushing economic activities to neighboring regions. "Since this crisis erupted, potential investors in our state have been deterred as people believe there is turmoil in Rivers State. Interest in investing has plummeted, causing movement of investments away from Rivers to surrounding areas like Apoyebombe and beyond. This is affecting the economic landscape for the people of Rivers," he explained.
He attributed the crisis to personal ambitions and greed, claiming that a former governor seeks to control the government even after his term ended. "The issue here is driven by greed. A former governor has completed his tenure but wants to exert control over the current governance. The office of the governor of Rivers is not akin to that of a local government chair. It holds significant power, and the current governor is striving to maintain peace while also adhering to regulations and promoting development. This turmoil is adversely affecting our state, primarily because of one individual's desire to dominate our state," he argued.
Dismissing rumors of a binding political pact between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Ihunwo asserted that no private agreement should supersede the will of the voters. "What type of agreement could one enforce on an incumbent? Such conditions as not switching from PDP to APC are non-existent. We have no knowledge of such an agreement. Any accord made with Fubara must involve the people of Rivers collectively, not just one individual. We elected him; one person cannot make a governor.
"If any discussions occur, they should include all of us because we are the ones who chose to support this governor. They should permit Fubara to govern without interference," he added.
He remarked on Governor Fubara's character, describing him as a leader striving for peace despite external pressures. "The governor is a principled person. I truly have not encountered anyone quite like him. The position of the governor in Rivers State is significant. Many could attempt to disrupt the state, but the governor has prioritized peace," he commented.
Ihunwo made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene effectively since many legislators are acting out of fear rather than loyalty. "I implore the President to address the minister, the assembly, and get things in order. Most assembly members are taking directions from him, and while they are unhappy with the crisis, they fear speaking out. Unlike them, I am not afraid of the truth, and I will express it regardless of the circumstances. Some have dismissed my claims, yet my statements are based on reality," he stated.
Looking ahead toward the 2027 elections, Ihunwo conveyed confidence in the political stability of Rivers, affirming support for both President Tinubu and Governor Fubara and downplaying concerns that the upheaval might weaken the ruling party. "The people of Rivers are standing behind the President. The governor has recognized ongoing issues within the PDP, but many political families are uniting to support President Tinubu and ensure his reelection. Our affiliation with the APC and PDP is unchanged, and the state remains politically stable. Rivers people desire President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's return for a second term, and I expect Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has the constitutional right to run for office again, will also pursue reelection. Opposition to his candidacy should only occur if he chooses not to run due to personal reasons. For now, he has every right to vie for another term, and I encourage Rivers citizens to continue backing him for the betterment of our state," he said.
He cautioned that any attempt by ministers to prevent Governor Fubara from seeking reelection would ultimately fail. "No individual can overshadow God's will. Leadership is a privilege granted by God; one cannot claim it as a right. He is destined for a second term, and peace will prevail in Rivers State," he concluded.
He closed with a broader advisory to political entities in Nigeria, urging them to denounce godfatherism and promote internal democracy. "In my view, the primary issue lies in godfatherism. It is a pervasive challenge. Certain figures who previously denounced this during conflicts with the President are now contributing to godfatherism in Rivers State.
"We should conduct our primaries diligently. The individual who wins should be encouraged to fulfill their candidacy, rather than a figure claiming, 'I made you.' Those powerless to influence elections should not exert control. As political parties, we need to ensure fairness in primaries, and whoever wins should be equipped to govern the state. A governor is needed who resonates with the citizens of Rivers," he concluded.
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