By Tunde Oso

The Mayor of Urhoboland and Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), HE Dr. Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has called on the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, to ensure Governor Siminalayi Fubara is accorded his due respect and cooperation, urging both arms of government to work together for the socio-economic development of the state.

In a statement issued Monday at his Ughelli Mayoral Palace, Akpodoro noted that Governor Fubara has endured enough challenges in his leadership, including times when he belonged to a different political party. Now, as both a member and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, the governor deserves the loyalty and support of the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

The Mayor warned against polarisation in the House, emphasizing that APC rules designate the governor as the political and administrative leader of the state. He stressed that the acrimonious atmosphere of the past should be set aside, and the Assembly must support the governor to ensure effective governance and service delivery to the people.

“As it stands now, there is no reason for any bickering between the two arms of government since both the legislature and executive fall under the same APC umbrella. To act otherwise is to face the wrath of the people on whose behalf they hold democratic powers,” Akpodoro said.

He added, “The governor is unarguably the leader of his people, and nobody shares that position with him. Amaewhule’s Assembly owes the governor unflinching loyalty at all times. Personal relationships or godfather dynamics should not interfere with governance. The governor must be free to assert his authority without favour or trepidation. Nobody has the right to undermine the governor of a democratic state. Governor Fubara should be fully in charge in the exercise of his executive powers.”

The Mayor also commended Governor Fubara for leading with integrity and the fear of God, noting that the expectations of Rivers people remain high and require unity and cooperation from all arms of government.