What we’ve in Rivers is coalition of Renewed Hope Family — Obio/Akpor LG chairman

…Says Fubara Has Huge Responsibility to Restore Peace in Rivers

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Gift Worlu, has said that what exists in Rivers today is a “rainbow coalition of the Renewed Hope family.”

Dr Worlu, who appeared dissatisfied with the current state of governance in Rivers, said all political interests in the state now revolve around the Renewed Hope agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Yes, there’s a Renewed Hope family that all of us belong to in our state,” he said.

He made the assertion while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, insisting that Rivers State is now operating a coalition arrangement under the Renewed Hope platform.

Using real-life illustrations, Worlu explained that political collaboration should not be viewed with suspicion.

“You know, in our churches, sometimes one church organises an event and invites others. They all come together under what is called the body of Christ. We don’t quarrel about it.

“But when politicians come together in the interest of peace, in the interest of protecting their interests, and in the interest of justifying the goodwill we have enjoyed under the presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, people begin to complain,” he said.

According to him, Rivers State has benefited immensely from the Tinubu administration.

“Politics is local. Rivers people have seen what we have never seen before — whether in terms of federal projects, appointments of our sons and daughters, or the relationship we enjoy with the President.

“As a people, we have decided to keep party aside and work together in the overall interest of our state.

“I belong to the PDP, but when it comes to the 2027 election, I am for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am a member of the Renewed Hope family, and all of us are in that family, including the Governor, under the leadership of the FCT Minister,” he said.

On Rivers Crisis

Speaking on the political crisis in the state, Worlu said reconciliation requires deliberate effort from the parties involved, particularly the governor.

“In my place, there’s a saying that when a husband and wife have issues and the matter goes before the Council of Chiefs, the council advises them. But at the end of the day, they return to their house, and the chiefs return to theirs.

“It is what the couple make of that advice that determines whether there will be peace.”

He criticised what he described as poor handling of state affairs, noting that leadership requires consultation.

“When you talk about the state, you cannot decide as you like. You must carry people along.

“We saw how governors defected in Delta, Bayelsa and elsewhere. They did it with people around them. But in Rivers, what did we see? One man standing alone.

“That’s not leadership. Leadership means people are following you. If you think you are a leader and nobody is following you, you are just taking a walk,” he said.

He added that Governor Siminalayi Fubara holds the instruments of authority and must decide the direction of peace.

“He has the yam and the knife. He is the governor. If he wants peace, he will decide. If he wants war, it is up to him.

“Since he returned after the emergency rule, we have never had a meeting with him. He has not called the chairmen, the Assembly, or the elders of the party and system he belongs to,” Worlu stated.

‘Leadership Requires Relationship’

Drawing from his experience as council chairman, Worlu stressed the importance of consultation and teamwork.

“As chairman, I know my leaders. Before any action, I reach out to them. Even coming to this studio, I inform them. If they say don’t go, I stay back.

“You must have a relationship with people. You don’t just throw anybody into leadership. Personality matters.

“If someone is to be accountant-general, being quiet is fine. But a governor must talk. Leadership requires engagement,” he said.

He further argued that leadership selection should be more scientific.

“When you want to hire someone, you look at technical competence and character. The same should apply in politics.”

Governor Must Sustain Peace

Worlu concluded that while peace is welcome in Rivers State, it must be anchored on justice and responsibility.

“The Rivers situation is a development. We want peace, but peace must be based on understanding and justice.

“And when peace finally comes, people must sustain it. In this case, the Governor has a very huge responsibility to ensure that there is peace in Rivers State,” he said