Tonye Cole Calls for Fubara to Focus on Governance
Former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole described the emergence of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as contentious from the outset. He noted that the political crisis that followed Fubara’s assumption of office, together with his public face‑off with former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has created serious obstacles to effective governance in the state.
Cole said he believed the governor would have consulted his close allies before deciding on the current political direction. “My assumption is that he would have sat down with his trusted supporters, discussed the way forward, and concluded that this is the best path for the next six months or so of his administration,” Cole remarked. He added that, although he was not part of those discussions, he assumes that is what transpired.
Nevertheless, Cole stressed that having chosen to return to office and complete his term, Fubara must now prioritize governance and avoid slipping back into political battles. “The battle that was fought is over. If he had intended to walk away, he should not have come back as governor. But having accepted the responsibility to finish his tenure, he must do so in a manner that allows him to govern — not return to fighting,” he said.
The APC chieftain traced the controversy to the manner in which Fubara emerged as governor and the ensuing conflict with Wike, arguing that the prolonged disagreement has harmed Rivers State. He said the people did not wish for such turmoil; they sought a different kind of leadership and have not yet received it.
Cole, however, expressed hope that the present situation offers an opportunity for the state to build a new system of governance. He urged residents to demand a better political process and to elect leaders capable of delivering good governance. “We have an opportunity in Rivers State to set a different type of governance and a different process for choosing those who represent us. My prayer is that we get it right,” he concluded.
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