Veteran actress and political activist Hilda Dokubo has weighed in on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, declaring that the struggle is not about Governor Siminalayi Fubara but rather a battle for the state’s economic future.
Dokubo, in a passionate statement, accused those who had controlled the state for the past 24 years of exploiting its resources. “For 24 years, they kept milking us,” she said, emphasizing that Rivers’ wealth had been mismanaged. According to her, the state’s funds were frequently diverted for unnecessary projects while essential services were neglected.
She praised the current administration for taking steps to address long-standing issues, particularly the prompt payment of civil servants. “This is the first time that civil servants have been paid in 13 months. Every Christmas for two years, civil servants got paid. Yes, they have received all their salaries,” she stated.
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Dokubo also highlighted infrastructural developments, arguing that past administrations deceived the people by claiming the state’s difficult terrain made road construction impossible. “They told us our terrain was too bad. Now we know our terrain is not bad,” she said, implying that Governor Fubara’s administration has been able to initiate road projects where previous leaders failed.
She further commended the governor for his peaceful approach to governance and elections, stating that Rivers people have witnessed a process devoid of violence and bloodshed.
Addressing the budget impasse between the governor and the state assembly, Dokubo criticized those opposing Fubara’s administration, accusing them of creating obstacles to governance. “You made it impossible for him. He wrote, ‘I am coming to you.’ You locked him out. He wrote again to say, ‘I will still come again.’ And you replied to him with insubordination charges,” she recounted.
The crisis in Rivers State has continued to intensify as political factions remain locked in a power struggle. While Governor Fubara has vowed to uphold the mandate given to him by the people, his opponents have been relentless in their efforts to undermine his administration.
Dokubo’s remarks add to the growing voices of support for the governor, as many await how the situation in Rivers State will unfold.
