Emma Sunday
Senate President, Senator God’swill Akpabio has come under fire over his recent comment against the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Akpabio had on Friday, December 13, 2024, during the birthday celebration of the FCT Minister in Port Harcourt, allegedly stated that leaders like Governor Fubara should have been loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The Crown Prince of Ogbakiri Clan in Emohua local government area of Rivers State, Prince Owen Mekwa in a chat with journalists over the weekend criticised the Akpabio, warning him to steer clear of Rivers State internal politics and focus on his legislative duties.
Mekwa who described senator Akpabio’s remarks as uncomplimentary and inflammatory, said in 2025, Rivers people won’t tolerate such comments from Akpabio and his political associates.
Prince Mekwa however hailed Governor Fubara for sustaining his social contract with Rivers people.
“As a son of the Niger Delta region I expect Senator Akpabio to say or do things that will unite the people of Niger Delta region rather than divide them.
“We want to tell Senator Akpabio and some influential Abuja-based politicians to keep off from Rivers State internal affairs and political activities as well as stop hitting up the polity.
“In 2025, we will no longer accept this from Senator Akpabio and his political associates.
“Gentlemen of the press, you will agree with me that since Governor Fubara assumed office about 18 months ago he has been able to sustain his social contract with Rivers people.”
The community leader, however commended the Governor Fubara for his doggedness in ensuring the sustained peace and development in the state, urging Rivers people to support the Governor to succeed.
“In fact, with Governor Fubara as the number one citizen of the state, the state is safe and the residents of the state can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Once more, I want to salute His Excellency Governor Fubara for his courage and resilience to have conducted the October 5th Local Government elections in the state without any political violence. In the same vein I want to tell Governor Fubara to remain focused.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend Governor Fubara for his developmental strides in the state in the last Eighteen (18) months.
“I also want to urge members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm not only to continue with their developmental journalism, but also to continue to set agenda for the political class and other leaders as well as beam their satellite on the dark areas of the country.
“Finally, Fubara as Governor has placed the state on a fast lane of growth and development, I urge Rivers people to continue to support his administration.”
