Rivers: “I Played The Devil’s Advocate To End Political Crisis”-Fubara

Governor Simi Fubara of River state says the political crisis in the state has ended with him playing the devil’s advocate.

The state’s helmsman made this known when he hosted members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, led by its Chairman, Mike Etaba, at Government House, Port Harcourt at the weekend.

The magazine reported that the governor has been in a protracted political battle with the immediate past governor of the state, Nyesom Wike over the control of soul of the state, since Fubara came to office last year.

Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, supported the incumbent to win the governorship last year, but the duo has since parted ways over irreconcilable differences on who control the state.

Speaking on the state of the political crisis, Fubara said his focus now is how to provide good governance for the people of the state.

The governor’s remark was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

Fubara said he has been able to weather the political storm, that his aim, saying  “as far as we are concerned, there are no political issues” to worry about.

The governor said, “As far as we are concerned, there are no political issues. I had seen a movie many years ago, entitled, ‘Devil’s Advocate.’ I believe some of you must have seen that movie too.

“One of the starring characters: Al Pacino said, that pressure makes some people retreat or fail, and to others, it makes them become focused on succeeding. We have chosen to be focused under this pressure.

“That is why we are moving ahead. That is why we are making a positive impact on the lives of our people. Governance is about the people. It is not about self.”

Meanwhile, those watching what is happening in the state insist that it remains to be seen whether major political actors in the state are prepared to bury the hatchet so that peace can be sustained in the oil rich state for the good of the people.