Devil’s Advocate: Drama As Fubara Compares His Battle With Wike’s Camp To A Movie, Reveals What It Does To Him

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara affirmed that despite the ongoing political turmoil in the State between his camp and that ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, his commitment to governance remains unwavering.

Fubara made these remarks during a gathering with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, led by Chairman Mike Etaba, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Fubara asserted that, from the perspective of his administration and the people of Rivers, the crisis holds little significance. Reflecting on a movie he watched long ago, Fubara likened the pressure from the political crisis to a catalyst strengthening his dedication to serving the populace. He stated, “As far as we are concerned, there are no political issues. I had seen a movie many years ago, entitled, ‘Devil’s Advocate.’ I believe some of you must have seen that movie too… One of the starring characters, Al Pacino, said pressure makes some people retreat or fail, and to others, it makes them become focused to succeed. We have chosen to be focused under this pressure.”

He emphasized the essence of governance as serving the people’s core needs, highlighting his administration’s proactive initiatives such as the empowerment of over 3,066 Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through the N4 billion single-digit loan scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) Limited.

Fubara emphasized that despite any external challenges, his administration remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the state’s socio-economic landscape. He emphasized, “Our focus is that, no matter what anybody is doing anywhere, we are not going to lose focus. We want to leave here better than we had met it.”

Asserting the importance of earning respect through leadership style rather than coercion, Fubara highlighted the peaceful environment prevailing in Rivers State and encouraged transparency and fairness in the committee’s resolutions.

He concluded by advising the committee members to conduct thorough, impartial investigations and make unbiased resolutions, acknowledging people’s right to seek redress when they feel their rights have been infringed upon.