Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called on his supporters to remain steadfast and rise above emotional reactions in the face of political tensions, urging them to stay focused on the broader interest of the state and the nation.
Fubara made the appeal during a crucial meeting with stakeholders and political allies, emphasizing that true loyalty is tested in difficult moments. He stressed the importance of unity, peace, and strategic patience, reminding his followers that their collective mission transcends personal sentiments and revolves around the overall well-being of Rivers State.
“If we believe we are one family and that our interest is to support the President, then what’s the issue?” the governor queried. “If you say you’re with me, this is the time to prove it. Because it’s not even about me; it’s about the overall interest of the state.”
In a metaphorical illustration drawn from his cultural roots, Fubara likened the situation to a native wisdom about resilience and growth. “In my place, there’s a fish called Atabala — you call it Tilapia. The mother Tilapia tells the young ones, ‘If you want to grow as big as I am, you must hide your head in the mud.’”
The governor explained that the message symbolizes the wisdom of restraint and strategic silence in turbulent times. “We’ve done our best. What we need now is peace so we can grow,” he concluded.
Fubara’s remarks come against the backdrop of recent political wranglings and alignments in Rivers State, where the governor has been navigating complex intra-party dynamics while pledging continued loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Observers view his message as a calculated move to steady his political base, douse tensions, and reposition the state’s political climate for stability and growth.
