Rivers Governorship Aspirant Distances Self From Gov Fubara’s Political Camp
A governorship aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress in Rivers State, Blessing Fubara (Snr), has clarified that although he is related to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, they do not share the same political ideology or ambitions.
Speaking during an interview on Super FM 93.3 in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Fubara dismissed claims that he was acting as a placeholder for the governor ahead of a possible defection to the NDC.
According to him, Rivers people already know his political history and long-standing interest in the development of the state.
“Rivers people know me very well. I have always been passionate about the development of the people, not just the state. This is the time for Rivers people to take back their state,” he said.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had earlier withdrawn from the Rivers State All Progressives Congress governorship primaries amid the lingering political rift between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The development sparked speculation that Blessing Fubara’s emergence in the NDC was part of a broader political arrangement involving the governor.
However, the governorship hopeful insisted his decision to join the race was independent and had been in the works long before the governor’s withdrawal from the APC process.
“When you talk about my entrance being linked to the governor’s political decisions, that is not correct. We are beginning a new conversation about the soul of Rivers State,” he stated.
He explained that his ambition followed consultations with political stakeholders and groups across the state, adding that many Rivers residents had encouraged him to step forward.
“All of this has been in the making. Through engagements and consultations, and given the call from across party lines and Rivers people at large, this process has been ongoing,” he said.
While acknowledging his family relationship with the governor, Fubara stressed that they hold different political visions for the state.
“Oh yes, I am Fubara. I am related to the governor, but we share different political ideologies, aspirations, and visions for Rivers State,” he added.
The aspirant said his focus is on restoring the “soul” of Rivers State and rebuilding the state’s political and economic structure.
“As a son of Rivers State, my concern is to rescue and restore the soul of Rivers State. Every great society must have a soul that guides its moral direction and shared destiny,” he said.
Fubara described the Nigerian Democratic Congress as a strong opposition platform capable of reshaping governance in Rivers State and offering residents a fresh direction.
He also criticised the political culture in the state, saying politics has for too long revolved around individuals rather than policies and development.
“For so long, our politics has been built around personalities instead of purpose. This is what has given birth to the political drama and challenges we see today in Rivers State,” he said.
According to him, the state’s political structure has created a “survival system” where many young people depend on political loyalty rather than economic opportunities.
“Our politics has deteriorated into survival instead of strategy. You can see resilient, able-bodied men in our state, but there is little economic activity or sustainable opportunity to make people self-reliant,” he said.
He called on Rivers people to seize the opportunity to rebuild the state and return it to what he described as its rightful place as a major economic force in Nigeria and Africa.
