Peace or War Is Fubara’s Choice, Obio/Akpor Chairman Declares

Peace or War Is Fubara’s Choice, Obio/Akpor Chairman Declares

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara holds the ultimate responsibility for restoring peace in the state, declaring that the choice between peace and conflict rests squarely on the governor.

Worlu made the assertion on Thursday during a chat with journalists in Abuja, where he described the current political arrangement in Rivers State as a “rainbow coalition” of the Renewed Hope family, cutting across party lines and united by the desire to protect the state’s collective interests.

According to him, political actors in Rivers have resolved to work together irrespective of party affiliation, citing the goodwill the state has enjoyed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in terms of federal projects, appointments and cordial centre–state relations.

“Yes, there’s a Renewed Hope family that all of us belong to in our state,” Worlu said, noting that cooperation among politicians should not be seen as strange, but as a practical approach to governance and development.

He explained that the coalition was borne out of the need to sustain the benefits Rivers State has enjoyed at the federal level, stressing that politics is local and the welfare of the people must come before party loyalty.

Worlu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), openly declared his support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that his position reflects the broader alignment of Rivers political stakeholders within the Renewed Hope agenda.

“I belong to the PDP. But when it comes to the issue of the election that is coming in 2027, I am not PDP. I am for Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu,” he stated.

Speaking on the political crisis rocking Rivers State, Worlu said reconciliation efforts would only succeed if the governor embraces consultation and inclusiveness, warning that governance cannot be run in isolation.

Using a family analogy, he said disputes could only be resolved when parties are willing to listen and act on advice, noting that leadership demands engagement with key stakeholders.

“The man has the yam. He has the knife. He’s the governor. He decides how he wants things to be. If he wants peace, he will decide. If he wants war, it’s up to him,” Worlu said.

He criticised what he described as the governor’s failure to engage elected local government chairmen, the State House of Assembly and party elders since his return from emergency rule, arguing that such disengagement undermines leadership and stability.

Worlu contrasted the situation with leadership practices in his local government, where he said decisions are taken after wide consultations with senior party leaders and stakeholders to ensure unity and collective ownership.

He also faulted the manner in which major political decisions were taken in Rivers, noting that leadership requires followers and collaboration, not solitary action.

“Leadership as I know it is that if you think you’re a leader and nobody’s following you, you’re just taking a walk,” he added.

The council chairman further argued that leadership selection in Nigeria should involve deeper consideration of competence, character and personality, especially for sensitive offices such as governorship.

While stressing that peace remains the desire of Rivers people, Worlu said it must be anchored on justice, understanding and shared responsibility, adding that Governor Fubara has a “huge responsibility” to ensure lasting peace in the state.

“The matter in Rivers State is certainly a development. We don’t mind peace, but it must be anchored on justice and understanding, and the governor must take responsibility for sustaining it,” he said.