Tonye Cole Calls for Peaceful Tenure for Governor Fubara
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, described the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as contentious from the beginning. He said the political crisis that followed Fubara’s rise and his subsequent face‑off with predecessor Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, created serious challenges for governance in the state.
Cole believes Fubara should have consulted his close allies before deciding on the political direction he has now taken. “My assumption is that the governor would have gone with his own close allies, discussed with them, and said that this is the best way, that he has to move forward for the next six months or thereabouts of his administration. I would assume that’s what he did,” Cole said. He admitted he was not part of those discussions and could not say exactly what informed the governor’s decision.
Having chosen to return to office and finish his term, Cole argues that Fubara must now prioritise governance and avoid returning to political battles. “But having taken the responsibility to come and finish his term, then he has to finish it in the way that allows him to govern. He can’t go back into fighting,” he stated.
The controversy surrounding Fubara’s administration began with the manner in which he emerged as governor and continued throughout his political conflict with Wike. Cole argued that the prolonged disagreement between the governor and his predecessor negatively affected Rivers State.
He said the political crisis was not what the people of Rivers State wanted; residents expected better governance and a different approach to leadership. “So that could not have been the wishes of the people. People looked for something different; they didn’t get it,” Cole added.
Despite the challenges, Cole sees an opportunity for Rivers State to establish a new system of governance. He urged citizens to demand a different political process and elect leaders capable of delivering good governance. “Now we have an opportunity, and I come back to this – we have an opportunity in Rivers State, and I’m praying this time around that it will work,” he said.
Cole called on the people of Rivers State to use this chance to set a different type of governance and a better process for electing those who represent them in power. “My prayer is that we do it right,” he concluded.
