
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his humility and commitment to governance, describing him as a national model of leadership anchored on simplicity and public service. The organization also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that his message of peace is heeded by the alleged key actor fueling political instability in Rivers State from Abuja—his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.HURIWA, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that Fubara’s recent remarks during his 50th birthday celebration, where he vowed not to be intoxicated by power, stood in sharp contrast to the prevailing trend among many Nigerian politicians who, once in power, become disconnected from the people. The group emphasized that Fubara’s approach to governance reflects a deep sense of responsibility, an attribute that should be emulated by other public officeholders.“Governor Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated what true leadership entails. His refusal to be carried away by the privileges of office, his humility, and his focus on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State set him apart as a leader with a vision. This is a refreshing departure from the usual arrogance that accompanies political power in Nigeria,” HURIWA stated.The rights group also took a critical look at President Bola Tinubu’s birthday message to Fubara, where he urged the governor to foster peace and unity in Rivers State. HURIWA stated that while the call for peace was commendable, it must be directed at the alleged primary actor responsible for the ongoing political crisis in Rivers—the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.“President Tinubu must not stop at delivering generic messages of peace. He should focus on reining in the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who, reportedly, has consistently fueled political instability in Rivers State from Abuja. It is Wike who is allegedly instigating confusion, using every available means to undermine the Fubara administration. If Tinubu is sincere about peace in Rivers State, then he must call his minister to order,” the group insisted.HURIWA also recalled the events that have plunged Rivers State into a protracted political crisis, highlighting Wike’s alleged continued interference in the affairs of the state despite no longer being governor. The group described Wike’s reported actions as a direct affront to democracy and warned that allowing such destabilizing tendencies to persist could set a dangerous precedent for the country.The rights group further urged the people of Rivers State to stand firmly behind Governor Fubara and resist any external attempts to derail his administration. It noted that the governor had demonstrated remarkable restraint and focus, choosing governance over distractions, despite relentless provocations.HURIWA concluded by calling on President Tinubu to match his words with action by addressing the root cause of the political instability in Rivers State. The group warned that failure to do so would not only embolden those seeking to undermine democracy but also erode public confidence in Tinubu’s commitment to fairness and good governance.“The Rivers State crisis is a test case for President Tinubu’s administration. If he truly believes in peace, then he must address the alleged primary instigator of the conflict. The time for empty rhetoric is over; decisive action must be taken to restore stability in Rivers State,” HURIWA said.
*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko*
National Coordinator,Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)January 29, 2025