Tonye Cole Urges Governor Fubara to Prioritise Governance Over Political Battles
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, said the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was controversial from the start.
He noted that the political crisis that followed Fubara’s assumption of office, especially his confrontation with former governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, created serious obstacles for effective governance in the state.
Cole expressed the belief that, before choosing his current political direction, Fubara would have consulted his close allies and agreed on a way forward for the remaining months of his tenure.
“My assumption is that the governor would have sat down with his trusted supporters, discussed the situation, and concluded that this is the best path for the next six months or so,” Cole said.
He acknowledged that he was not part of those discussions and therefore cannot state exactly what influenced Fubara’s decisions.
“I am not in his chamber, so I cannot know for certain. But that is what I would expect him to have done,” he added.
According to Cole, having decided to return to office and complete his term, Fubara must now concentrate on governance and refrain from re‑engaging in political battles.
“The battle that was fought — what do you do now? If he intended to walk away, he should not have come back as governor. But having taken the responsibility to finish his term, he must govern in a manner that allows him to lead, not fight,” Cole stated.
He traced the controversy surrounding Fubara’s administration to the manner in which he emerged as governor and the ongoing dispute with his predecessor, Wike.
“First, the process that brought him into power was contentious. Throughout his time in office, the continual clash between himself and his predecessor has created numerous problems for Rivers State,” Cole explained.
The APC chieftain argued that the political turmoil was not what the people of Rivers State desired; residents had hoped for better governance and a different leadership approach.
“That could not have been the wishes of the people. They looked for something different and did not receive it,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Cole expressed optimism that the current situation offers an opportunity for Rivers State to establish a new system of governance.
He urged citizens to seize the chance to demand a different political process and elect leaders capable of delivering good governance.
“We have an opportunity in Rivers State to set a different type of governance, a different process for electing those who represent us in power. My prayer is that we get it right,” Cole concluded.
