Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara resumed office on Thursday after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in the state.
Fubara arrived in Port Harcourt, the state capital, in the afternoon—just a day after the sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, handed over power. The State House of Assembly also held its first sitting immediately after Ibas handed over power..
Addressing citizens only hours later, Fubara explained why he chose not to challenge Tinubu’s decision in court.
He said he accepted the state of emergency and opted to cooperate with both the President and the National Assembly out of a conviction that no sacrifice was too great to safeguard peace, stability, and the progress of the state.
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Fubara admitted that the past six months was “enormously challenging” for the state under emergency rule but maintained that his restraint was guided by the higher interest of the people.
“In the course of the six months, Mr President successfully brokered the peace process with all the parties. Our Leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I, as your governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State.
“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”, Fubara added.
He stressed that with the lifting of the state of emergency, the responsibility now rested squarely on him, the Assembly, political leaders, and stakeholders to set aside their differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of the people.
Fubara added that he and others bore a duty to ensure that the peace now embraced in the state remained permanent.
He also expressed gratitude to the President for what he described as his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis, as well as for restoring full democratic governance to the state.
The governor said he would never take the President’s kindness for granted, reaffirming his utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.
“To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness. We must all remember the saying, “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war”.
“Accordingly, let us, therefore, embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State. I assure you that we will continuously work towards ensuring that we carry everyone along.
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“Despite the turbulence, you are aware of the credible milestones our administration achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.”
He stated that his administration’s immediate responsibility was to return to the path of governance and development by completing all ongoing projects, ensuring that none were starved of funds or abandoned.
He pledged to revive the economy, safeguard lives and property, and enhance the well-being of the citizens.
Fubara also reaffirmed his commitment to working in harmony with the state assembly to recover lost ground and accelerate the state’s social and economic advancement.
He renewed his pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility, and a strong sense of duty.
The governor expressed gratitude to the resilient citizens for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.
He further appreciated the stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, political actors, women’s groups, youths, concerned citizens at home and abroad, as well as well-wishers whose prayers and support sustained the state through the challenging period.
Fubara added, “Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all.
“Once again, I thank and appreciate our Father, Mr President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his timely intervention and dedication to ensuring the restoration of peace and stability in our State. I also thank our Leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the State.
“I also wish to express my profound thanks to the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Dr Abbas Tajudeen; and the distinguished members of the National Assembly for the role they all played in the resolution of the matter. I thank the Honourable Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, respected elders, stakeholders and all concerned citizens for working together to resolve our differences and ensuring peace and harmony in our State.
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“Finally, I call on all citizens of Rivers State, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding our beloved State and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone. In all, I give glory to the Almighty God.”
