The people of Opobo nation, the home region of Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, have urged the governor to take all necessary actions to secure his position and ensure he completes his second term in 2027.
The Opobo Progressive Movement (OPM) issued this call in a statement from Port Harcourt, signed by the group’s President, Amb. Freedom Owujie. The response comes after the Ogoni and Oyigbo People’s Assembly (OOPA) suggested that the Ogonis should produce the next governor in 2027.
Owujie condemned OOPA’s statement as provocative and an attempt to undermine the role of Opobo people in state affairs. He emphasized that, despite being a minority, Opobo would not accept a secondary role in politics and asserted that Fubara would complete his second term.
“This is a blatant disregard for His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and an attempt to diminish the significance of Opobo in Rivers State politics,” Owujie stated. “We may be few, but we are not to be underestimated. Any efforts to prevent an Opobo son from serving his full term will be met with strong resistance.”
Owujie suggested that Ogoni’s discontent stems from their failure to secure the governorship after working to thwart an Ijaw governor in 2019. He urged Governor Fubara to use his office’s influence to address these challenges and ensure he completes his second term.
“There is no denying that the Ogoni people are still aggrieved that, despite their efforts to prevent an Ijaw governor, they were not considered in 2023 when an Opobo man assumed office,” Owujie added.
He called on Governor Fubara to proactively address these obstacles, emphasizing that the governorship is crucial to Opobo people. “We have always maintained peace with our Ogoni neighbors despite provocations, but if pushed further, we will respond. The governorship of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is of utmost importance to us.”