The governorship aspirant of the NDC in Rivers State, Blessing Fubara, has declared that his political ambition is driven by a desire to restore responsible leadership and bring lasting peace to Rivers State, insisting that he owes allegiance to no political godfather.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time program with Charles Aniagolu, Fubara addressed growing public interest in his governorship ambition, his relationship with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, and his vision for the future of the oil-rich state.
Responding to questions about whether his ambition was connected to the political challenges faced by Governor Sim Fubara, who is his cousin, Blessing Fubara maintained that his decision to seek office was independent and rooted in the aspirations of Rivers people.
According to him, years of political conflicts have slowed development in the state and left many residents yearning for a new direction.
“I am running because Rivers people need a change,” he said. “Leadership should deliver responsible and progressive governance. When politics becomes the priority after elections, development suffers, investments stay away, and ordinary people pay the price.”
Fubara argued that Rivers State needs a new generation of leadership capable of combining experience with innovation while addressing the economic and political challenges confronting the state.
One of the most striking moments of the interview came when he was asked whether he had a political godfather, a sensitive topic in Rivers politics following the highly publicized rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In response, Blessing Fubara firmly rejected the notion.
“I have God the Father. I don’t have a godfather,” he stated.
The governorship aspirant also dismissed suggestions that he was acting as a political proxy for the governor.
He emphasized that while he and Governor Fubara are related, they possess different political ideologies and individual perspectives.
“My ambition is not tied to anyone’s personal political project,” he explained. “I have my own vision and my own understanding of what Rivers State needs at this critical time.”
On the issue of the NDC governorship primaries, Fubara acknowledged that the process had generated controversy and competing claims from various aspirants.
However, he urged party members and supporters to remain patient and trust the party’s internal mechanisms.
He noted that the influx of aspirants demonstrated growing confidence in the party and insisted that the leadership was working towards a transparent and acceptable resolution.
While declining to declare himself the winner of the primary process, he referenced reports from independent observers that allegedly showed strong support for his candidacy across local government areas.
He nevertheless stressed that the final decision rests with the party’s official structures.
Addressing the political crisis that has dominated Rivers State over the past two years, Fubara called for reconciliation rather than further confrontation.
He warned against divisive politics and argued that the state’s future depends on unity, dialogue, and inclusive leadership.
“We must reconcile,” he said. “Politics should not be business as usual. Rivers State deserves a leadership approach that prioritizes peace, development, and the collective interest of the people.”
He also highlighted what he described as the longstanding tradition of political balance among the state’s senatorial districts, arguing that preserving this arrangement is important for stability and fairness.
According to him, Rivers Southeast Senatorial District should be given the opportunity to produce the next governor, adding that such an arrangement would help maintain harmony among the various political interests in the state.
Looking ahead, Fubara promised that if given the opportunity to lead, his administration would prioritize reconciliation, broad consultations, and inclusive governance.
He said his focus would be on rebuilding trust among political stakeholders, restoring confidence in democratic institutions, and creating an environment that encourages investment and economic growth.
Concluding his remarks, he linked his message to the ideals of Democracy Day, stressing the importance of respecting the will of the people.
“Today reminds us that the voice of the people must be heard,” he said. “And in Rivers State, the voice of the people must be heard. The soul of the state must be rescued.”
The interview comes as political stakeholders in Rivers State continue to assess the implications of the prolonged political crisis and begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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