At a time that Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State is reported to be angry and fuming over ownership of structures in the state, various organisations from all parts of the state have emerged, in what is being seen as a loud statement on the emerging structures to promote and protect the government of Sim Fubara.
This is coming even as some of the political structures and political heavy weights that used to be loyal to Wike have since jumped ship, preferring to pitch tent with Fubara, amidst the cold war currently raging between the governor and his predecessor.
A few weeks ago, many supporters of Wike, who used to belong to the Grassroots Development Initiative, GDI, a group that was led by one of Wike’s strongmen, decided to leave and declared support for Fubara.
And two days ago, a member of the House of Representatives from the same Ikwerre speaking ethnic Nation as Wike, Boniface Emerengwa also dumped Wike and declared publicly, his support and loyalty to Fubara.
But Fubara himself has decided to be silent and invisible, an action that is apparently disturbing Wike. Last weekend at an event in Port Harcourt, Wike had said that people who are silent should be feared.
On Wednesday, a body which calls itself the Family Support Group, took to the streets of Port Harcourt and ended up at the Government House gate, where they announced their readiness to stand with Fubara and fight in the interest of the state.
According to them, the FSG is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, women and men drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
They were received by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, who told them that the government was for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.
He assured that Fubara’s administration would not disappoint their expectations, and will deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.
He specifically noted the readiness of the Administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration.
“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract.”
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people.”
In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.”
