Tonye Cole Urges Governor Fubara to Focus on Governance, Avoid Political Battles
Former APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, said the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was contentious from the outset.
He explained that the ensuing political crisis, especially the face‑off with his predecessor, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, created serious challenges for governance in the state.
Cole added that he believed Fubara would have consulted his close allies before deciding on his current political direction, although he was not part of those discussions.
“My assumption is that the governor would have sat with his trusted allies, discussed the way forward, and decided that this is the best path for the next six months or so of his administration,” Cole said.
He stressed that, having chosen to return to office and complete his term, Fubara must now prioritize governance and steer clear of further political battles.
Cole argued that walking away after returning would be contradictory; having accepted the responsibility, the governor must finish his tenure in a manner that allows effective leadership.
He noted that the controversy began with the manner of Fubara’s emergence and persisted throughout his conflict with Wike, negatively affecting Rivers State.
According to Cole, the political impasse was not what residents wanted; they expected better governance and a different approach to leadership.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the current situation offers an opportunity for Rivers State to establish a new system of governance and elect leaders capable of delivering good governance.
Cole urged the people of Rivers State to seize this moment to set a different governance process and choose representatives who truly serve the public interest.
