Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has addressed the people of the state for the first time since the lifting of the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara expressed deep gratitude to the President for restoring full democratic governance in Rivers, describing his intervention as “fatherly and decisive.”
The Governor noted that while the last six months under emergency rule were “enormously challenging,” he deliberately chose cooperation over confrontation, resisting pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration in order to safeguard peace and stability.
Fubara revealed that the peace process brokered by President Tinubu successfully brought together himself, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to reconciliation and a commitment to work for the collective good.
“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule,” the Governor said.
He assured Rivers people that his administration would return focus to governance, pledging to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and education while reviving the state’s economy. He also promised to work harmoniously with the House of Assembly to “recover lost grounds” and accelerate development.
Fubara thanked religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, political stakeholders, and citizens for their patience and resilience during the turbulent period, urging everyone to embrace unity and inclusiveness.
“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful, and prosperous Rivers State,” he added.
He concluded by reaffirming loyalty to President Tinubu and appreciation for the roles played by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and other national leaders in resolving the political crisis.
