Suspended Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters to tone down their confrontational approach to the state’s political situation and instead follow his strategic steps towards enduring peace by showing restraint.
Fubara gave the advice on Sunday night while speaking at a Night of Tributes organised by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of the late elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, at the Royal House of Grace International Church, Port Harcourt.
The governor noted that some of the remarks and actions of his supporters were unnecessary and contrary to his personal beliefs and principles of pursuing peace in the midst of the political crisis in the State.
Fubara said he sometimes wondered if such people ask themselves whether the path they were taking was the true way to peace, stability, reconciliation and cautioned against acts capable of escalating tensions in the state.
He stated that as a leader, he was quite aware of the enormous responsibilities before him, and was doing what needed to be done within the ambit of the law to restore normalcy in a bid to move the state forward.
Fubara added that he now enjoys peace of mind and appears even healthier, and emphasised the importance of drawing inspiration from the life and values of late Pa Clark, particularly his commitment to peace, unity, personal sacrifice, and statesmanship.
While speaking on the legacies of late Pa Clark, the governor regretted that some speakers had deviated from the purpose of the gathering, urging for focus on the lessons learnt from late Clark’s humanity, sacrifices and undying dedication to peace, truth, justice, equity and fairness in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
In his sermon, Apostle Zilly Aggrey quoted James 4:13-16; Hebrew 12:14-15; and Matthew 7:12; emphasising that the season called for wisdom on the path of all actors.
Aggrey urged all players in the political arena to make peace with one another, saying that only a people united in spirit and purpose can defeat any lurking enemies.
He thanked the former Governor and Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his role in Governor Fubara’s election, and tasked him to commit himself to the path of peace and reconciliation for normalcy to return to the State.
The cleric also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role in the political crisis, and appealed for more proactive steps to bring lasting peace and restore democratic institutions in the State.
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