The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the history of violence and destruction in Rivers state, particularly highlighting events leading up to 2014 when courts and public places were targeted by bombings. He emphasized that he was not involved in these actions, pointing out that the same individuals responsible for such violence continue to perpetuate unrest in the state.
He argued that their silence was maintained not out of personal fear or weakness, but out of a collective belief that peace would eventually return to the region. However, he lamented that the ingrained tendencies toward destruction have persisted. He stated that this continuous destruction has prompted him to establish a commission aimed at investigating the underlying causes of the violence and unrest in order to find sustainable solutions.
He said in a media coverage by Symfoni from 1:51, ”Before 2014, they were bombing courts and bombing everywhere, but I wasn’t part of it. It is the same people who know how to do this work; they are the same people who have started these activities. And we had a reason to keep quiet at that time, not because we had any personality, but because we’re all one and we believe that whatever it is, after a while, that peace will return. But unfortunately, what is inside their blood, destruction, doesn’t end.
They have to take it further to local government councils. I wonder why somebody would spend so much money to build a structure in memory of your administration, because everybody wants something that will be remembered for you. The same person or group of persons will now go behind to destroy your legacy. Is it normal? And so, for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote cause of this problem, and I believe that the recommendation of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”