Following the political disagreement between the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, a South Africa-based cleric, Dr Pikibo Ngeri Rowlands, has described Governor Fubara as a new political spirit amongst Rivers people.
He described the Governor as awakening a new spirit among the Rivers people, a spirit that openly and boldly challenged the former Governor’s political structure.
Rowlands, who stated this to The Tide during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt, noted that establishing a political structure in the state by the incumbent Governor “is never a crime”.
The Okirika born politician and researcher at University of Johannesburg, South Africa, said, “I believed Governor Fubara has the right to establish his own political structure if he desires.
“In the spirit of democratic governance, it is crucial for each governor to serve their people independently”.
The Sociologist, who commended the FCT Minister for his developmental strides in the state, during his tenure.
“I hold great respect for Barrister Nyesom Wike’s contributions to Rivers State during his tenure.
“In my perspective, a Governor is fundamentally a privileged servant of the people, the voice representing their interests in local affairs”, he said.
He also said the Governor is an integral part of the Rivers people that democratically elected him, rather than an agent of the Federal Government.
He continued that while maintaining loyalty to the people of Rivers, Governor Fubara may advocate for their needs, even if it conflicts with the political structure coming down from the federal level.
“It is within this context that I observe Governor Fubara awakening a ‘new spirit’ among the Rivers people”, he said.
Dr Rowlands stated that Rivers Community in South Africa has also embraced this new spirit.
”I can confidently affirm that the Rivers community in South Africa has also embraced this new spirit, aligning with the sentiments of the Rivers people”, he stated.
On the defections of 25 lawmakers from peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state and the resignation of commissioners from Governor Fubara’s cabinet, the university teacher said, he sees potential in absorbing them back into the fold if they embrace the new spirit prevailing in Rivers State.
“I may not fully align with President Tinubu’s peace plan, but I see potential in absorbing them back into the fold if they embrace the new spirit prevailing in Rivers State.
“I think Governor Fubara will be open to collaboration if they align with the common interests of the Rivers people.
”I must warn that their continued defiance, however, will jeopardise the aspirations of Rivers people for a fresh approach to governance”, he noted.
H admonished the political class and stakeholders in the State to eschew violence and embrace peace in the common interest of the State.
“I endorse the prevailing spirit among the people of Rivers State. Governor Fubara should be given the freedom to serve the broader interests of the state with a political structure that is loyal to his vision.
“He must bravely resist any structures undermining his authority and oppose elements of peace plans that do not align with the people’s interests.
“In the spirit of defiance, Governor Fubara should akin to St. Peter’s defiant spirit in his days when he said, ‘Shall we obey God or man’.
“No one can deny that the new spirit that moves Rivers people reflects a divine force guiding the people”, he concluded.

By: Chinedu Wosu