Andrew Uchendu, a former Senator representing Rivers East, has alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is currently enjoying an unprecedented level of citizen support in Rivers State, despite the ongoing conflict with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
He attributed the current crisis to an attitudinal problem, emphasizing the need for Wike to prioritize the well-being of Rivers State and its people. He acknowledged that some misgivings might exist on the side of the governor but he stressed that they are insufficient to justify the current tension in the State.
He said in an interview with Channels TV from 6:24, ‘Amaechi couldn’t have gotten to the point of insulting Dr. Peter Odili as we are seeing today in Rivers State. But I think things have gotten worse, and it’s an attitudinal thing. In all honesty, Nyesom Wike is my brother, and we come from the same tribe in Rivers State. But I am thinking as a Nigerian, not as a tribal man. The most important thing will be for them to realize that Rivers is more important to them.
Just like Wike said in one of the video clips I watched, he said there is nothing as good as wishing your state peace. And so he should forgo everything if only to ensure that the people he ruled for eight good years are having peace after his exit, and that he owes Rivers State people. All through my time in politics, I have not seen the level of citizen support that Gov Fubara is enjoying today. A few misgivings may be here, but that is not enough to create the tension we are having today in Rivers State. If Fubara was not acting the way he’s acting, I am sure that with the absence of the police during the election, there would have been mayhem and anarchy. But I voted, and there was no usual violence at the polling unit. And there was no fight whatsoever.'”