Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has sworn never to allow intimidation or blackmail to take control of the state.

 

According to Fubara, the people own the state. He would therefore shield it from extortion.

 

He delivered a speech at the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers’ quarterly general meeting in Port Harcourt.

The governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, were involved in a face-off over the political structure of the state.

 

Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, had accused Fubara of neglecting the structure that brought him into power.

 

The face-off between the duo led to an impeachment move against Fubara, but President Bola Tinubu intervened.

 

However, speaking at the event, Fubara said: “Let us not forget that Rivers State is our collective inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend and advance it as the governor.

 

“I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility, nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail and deliberate sabotage.

 

“I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace as there is nothing to gain in a state of needless crisis.”

 

Fubara said no society would thrive without peace and security.