Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says his administration has defeated its political detractors, emphasizing that they are now sleeping with both eyes open.

Fubara has been in a political battle with his political godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his allies over control of the state.

The political crisis has resulted in the resignation of state commissioners loyal to his predecessor.

The governor made these remarks when he received the national and state leadership of IYC, who were on a solidarity walk to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday to mark the 2024 Isaac Adaka Boro Day.

The Governor noted that Major Isaac Adaka Boro genuinely stood for equity, justice, and fair play, and pursued his cause to ensure liberation for the Ijaw people and their clans.

Fubara stressed that every genuine Rivers man is a liberator, adding that he was delighted to receive them on such an auspicious day to re-enact the common purpose of liberation that they shared.

He said, “Because he stood for that unique thing, even after his death, we still celebrate him because he was a liberator.

“Every Rivers man, it doesn’t matter whether you are Ijaw or upland, the most important thing is that every genuine Rivers man must be a liberator.

“And I’m happy that you have come here today. I have also received you because we have one common purpose: to liberate our dear State. We are not going back on that.”

Regarding the crisis in the state, he claims that his detractors are now victims of their plots while expressing happiness with assurances of brotherly support from the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC.

According to him, the target of the renewed crisis in the state was to distract his one-year anniversary celebration in office, but those behind it are now the ones sleeping with their eyes open.

He said: “I am happy that you’ve told me this morning that when I call on you, you will respond. But there is nothing to call on you for. Because we have already defeated them.

“By the special grace of God, what they thought they would do to us while we were celebrating our one year in office, they are now the ones sleeping with both eyes open. It shows that we have the Ijaw blood. And what is that blood: it is the blood of action; less talk, more action.”