By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
RIVERS STATE Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted claims that he has refused to engage with members of the State House of Assembly, insisting he remains fully committed to dialogue for the sake of peace and progress across the state.
Speaking in a live broadcast on Wednesday afternoon at the inauguration of the Ahoada–Omoku Road Extension in Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni Local Government Area, which was monitored by Stonix News, Governor Fubara said he was merely waiting for his political leader, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set up the long-awaited meeting with the lawmakers.
Fubara maintained that coordinating such engagements was not directly his responsibility and accused political actors of sponsoring narratives aimed at portraying him as unwilling to reconcile.
“I do not have issues with the members of the State House of Assembly,” he said with measured emphasis.
“I have made every effort to meet with them, but the arrangement was never for me to contact them directly.
“It was for my leader, the Minister, to organise the meeting—yet, up till now, it has not been fixed.
“So, when people go about saying that I do not want to meet them or attend to their concerns, that is a pure lie. I have absolutely no reason to do that.”
The Governor further expressed frustration over being repeatedly misunderstood, noting that he has chosen restraint to avoid political mischief.
“I personally said that whatever their needs are, I am ready to meet them so that we can have peace in the state,” he continued.
“I didn’t want to go behind our leaders because it would appear as though I am trying to divide the house. I am a gentleman and a very principled person.
“I have suffered so much because of single stories—many things have happened, and nobody has heard my side.”
Fubara appealed directly to the Speaker and Assembly leadership, reiterating his readiness.
“Please, Mr Speaker, leadership of the House, I have made every effort to meet with you, and I am simply waiting for that meeting to be scheduled.
“The understanding we have is that our leaders will arrange it. Whoever is saying I have refused to meet you is not telling the truth. We must come together in the interest of Rivers State.”
The Governor stressed that the newly-commissioned road project fulfilled a key campaign promise, and would strengthen economic activities, enhance security, and promote unity across the state.
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