Maobuye Obu, the Secretary General of the Ijaw Youth Council, has appealed to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to desist from interfering with the governance of Rivers State and instead focus on his federal responsibilities. He argued that the political bickering in Rivers state has hindered the progress of Rivers State, and it is imperative that the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, be granted the autonomy to execute his duties effectively.
He used a metaphor to underscore the deleterious effects of the political crisis, likening it to gladiators engaging in combat while the grass suffers. He identified that the people of Rivers State are akin to the grass, caught in the midst of political turmoil, and urged that they be given a respite to thrive. He lamented that the FCT Minister is struggling to acquiesce to the circumstances, specifically the loss of power and influence.
He said in an interview with Arise TV from 2:02, ‘We’ve passed the era of politics, and this is a time for governance. We need Rivers State to remain peaceful so that we can focus as a people, and the governor should be given a chance to operate as governor of Rivers State, not because he’s a jaw or anything. But as Rivers state people, we know that when gladiators fight, it’s the grass that suffers. So, for us, we are the grass, and the elephants are fighting. So, Rivers people should be given a chance to breathe.
Somebody who is being pushed to Abuja by sheer luck should face the business of Abuja and allow the man in Port Harcourt to work for the state. Rivers State needs attention, and today we have a new sheriff. It’s just a matter of somebody not living up to the reality that oh, I’m out of government house, and that’s what I see.'”