The Rivers Equity Group (REG) has expressed strong support for the decision of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to reconcile with his political family, urging Rivers people to resist the temptation of misrepresenting or politicising the governor’s actions. The group said it was deeply concerned by the wave of criticisms and personal attacks by a handful of politicians which had greeted the governor’s recent declaration that he had returned to the Rainbow Coalition led by the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement signed by its leader, Clapton Ogolo, REG noted that many of those condemning Governor Fubara had either failed or deliberately refused to appreciate the difficult political circumstances that confronted the governor over the past months. According to the group, leadership often demands difficult choices, especially when such decisions are made in the overriding interest of peace, stability and the collective welfare of the people. REG stated that while many individuals viewed politics from the comfort of the sidelines, Governor Fubara had borne the enormous burden of preserving democratic governance in Rivers State amid an unprecedented political crisis that threatened the state’s peace, institutions and development. “The governor’s decision should not be interpreted as an act of weakness, surrender or betrayal. Rather, it is a demonstration of political maturity, statesmanship and an uncommon commitment to the peace and progress of Rivers State. “History has shown that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of prolonged political hostility. Every responsible leader must sometimes make painful sacrifices to secure lasting peace and create an enabling environment for governance,” the statement said. The group observed that the political conflict had not only polarised families, friends and communities but had also slowed governance and created unnecessary anxiety among residents and investors. It maintained that Governor Fubara’s decision to embrace reconciliation should therefore be seen as a courageous step towards healing old wounds, restoring confidence and returning government to its primary responsibility of delivering democratic dividends. REG urged Rivers people to avoid inflammatory comments, insults and divisive rhetoric capable of reopening old political wounds, stressing that disagreement in politics should never degenerate into character assassination. The group further appealed to political stakeholders across party lines to support the reconciliation process and place the collective interest of Rivers State above personal or sectional considerations. It also reminded Rivers people that the state’s future would be better served by unity than by continued political confrontation, adding that sustainable development could only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation. While acknowledging that citizens have a constitutional right to express differing opinions, REG appealed for restraint, civility and a proper understanding of the realities surrounding the governor’s decision. The group reaffirmed its confidence in Governor SiminalayiFubara, expressing optimism that the renewed political understanding would usher in a new era of stability, accelerated development and inclusive governance in Rivers State. REG therefore called on all well-meaning Rivers people to rally behind the governor, support ongoing reconciliation efforts and work together to build a more peaceful, united and prosperous state.
