Politics
Take Steps to Stop your Detractors, Secure Your Second Tenure – Kinsmen Task Fubara
The people of Opobo, the hometown of Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, have called on him to take decisive steps to ensure his re-election for a second term in 2027. This plea comes amidst growing political tensions within the state, particularly from the Ogoni and Oyigbo communities.
In a statement released by the Opobo Progressive Movement (OPM) in Port Harcourt, the group, led by President Ambassador Freedom Owujie, urged Governor Fubara to act swiftly to safeguard his political future. The statement was made in response to a call by the Ogoni and Oyigbo People’s Assembly (OOPA) advocating for an Ogoni candidate to succeed Fubara in 2027.
Owujie described OOPA’s demand as an attempt to undermine the Opobo community’s political standing in the state, warning against any effort to block Fubara’s re-election. “This is a direct disregard for His Excellency, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and a clear attempt to diminish the importance of Opobo people in the dynamics of Rivers politics,” Owujie said. “We might be small in number, but we are not pushovers.”
He emphasized that despite their minority status, Opobo people have always played a significant role in Rivers State politics, and Fubara should be allowed to complete his two terms as other governors have done since 1999. Owujie also accused Ogoni leaders of seeking retribution for their unsuccessful efforts to block the emergence of an Ijaw governor in 2019.
The OPM President called on Fubara to take all necessary actions to prevent political distractions and ensure his continued leadership. “We are calling on Governor Siminialayi Fubara to use every power that comes with his office to stop these people,” Owujie declared, urging him to neutralize any threats to his second term bid.
While reaffirming Opobo’s peaceful nature, Owujie warned that the community would not hesitate to defend itself against any attempts to disrupt Fubara’s administration. “If they continue to push us, we will react because the governorship of His Excellency, Sir Siminialayi Fubara means everything to us,” he concluded.