Rivers people patience Fubara warning lawmakers
The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights has warned lawmakers against misinterpreting the patience of Rivers State residents as weakness, insisting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara cannot be coerced into taking actions that go against the will of the electorate. The group said the people of Rivers have consistently demonstrated maturity and restraint despite ongoing political tensions, but such calm should not be mistaken for surrender or fear.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said attempts to pressure the governor through legislative intimidation or political manoeuvres would only deepen mistrust and further strain democratic institutions in the state. It stressed that Governor Fubara derives his mandate directly from the people and is therefore accountable first to them, not to political interests seeking to override public choice. According to the group, democracy thrives only when the mandate of the electorate is respected.
ISSJHR also cautioned lawmakers to avoid actions that could destabilise Rivers State, noting that the state’s political history shows that ignoring public sentiment often leads to unrest. The group urged elected officials to prioritise dialogue, constitutional processes and the welfare of citizens over personal or factional interests, adding that the patience shown by residents is rooted in their desire for peace and progress.
The organisation further appealed to federal authorities and relevant institutions to ensure that democratic norms are upheld in Rivers State. It said safeguarding the rule of law and respecting the mandate given to Governor Fubara would strengthen public confidence in governance and help prevent avoidable political crises.
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