Rivers State governorship aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Blessing Fubara (Snr), has acknowledged that incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara is his brother, but stressed that they do not share the same political ideology and he is not serving as a placeholder for him in the party.
Recall that the governor withdrew from the Rivers State All Progressives Congress governorship primaries owing to what loyalists described as the ongoing feud with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
There have been insinuations that the senior Fubara was serving as a placeholder for the governor, pending his defection to the NDC from the APC.
However, speaking during an interview with Super FM 93.3, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, monitored via Zoom by our correspondent, Fubara (Snr), debunked suggestions that he might be a placeholder for the governor, saying that Rivers people were familiar with his political track record.
“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.”
On his declaration for the 2027 governorship race, he said it had nothing to do with the governor’s reported withdrawal from the APC primaries, adding that he had long nurtured the ambition to change the political narrative.
He said he had undertaken consultations with stakeholders across the state, adding that he was responding to what he described as a “clarion call” from Rivers people.
“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.
“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.
“Oh yes, I am Fubara. I am related to the governor, but we share different political ideologies, aspirations, and visions for Rivers State.
“As a son of Rivers State, Rivers South-East Senatorial District, and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, 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 added: “Talking about political ideology, we must put Rivers people on the right path. The platform we are building under the Nigerian Democratic Congress is, in my view, a credible opposition vehicle capable of changing the narrative and delivering better governance for Rivers people.”
When asked whether he had informed the governor of his ambition, he said it was not necessary to disclose details of his consultations publicly.
“Coming out for this race involves extensive consultations. It is not something I need to publicise in detail.
“With due respect to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, that is not information for the public. Consultations are ongoing and progressing well,” he said.
The NDC governorship aspirant decried the fact that politics in the state had been built around personalities rather than purpose, a development he blamed for the political tensions and recurring crises in Rivers State.
Fubara said the oil-rich state had been held back for too long by divisive politics, adding that the system had deteriorated into one of survival, where able-bodied youths are compelled to prioritise loyalty as a means of livelihood.
The business strategist and philanthropist spoke of his intention: “I will encourage Rivers people to take advantage of this moment and let us do proper cleaning to take back our state. I am a strong believer that Rivers State can once again become the treasure base and pride of Nigeria and Africa at large.
“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. It has also undermined the prospects, progress, and economic development of our dear state.
“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.