Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said he is ready to work with all members of the State House of Assembly, including newly elected lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC), following recent bye-elections.
Bye-elections into the Rivers State House of Assembly were held on 21 February, filling vacant seats in parts of the state. Ukalikpe Napoleon emerged victorious in Ahoada East State Constituency II, while Loolo Bulabari Henrietta secured the Khana State Constituency II seat.
Speaking after the announcement of the results, Governor Fubara described the victories as well-deserved, noting that they reflected the confidence and trust reposed in the candidates by their constituents.
“It is the beauty of democracy. When the people believe in your capacity, they will give you their votes,” the governor said.
He added: “I look forward to working with them and their colleagues in the Rivers State House of Assembly for the progress of our state.”
The governor also commended residents of Ahoada East and Khana constituencies for what he described as their peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections. According to him, the orderly process demonstrated democratic maturity and a commitment to stability in the state.
The latest political developments come against the backdrop of a prolonged crisis within the state’s political leadership. On 19 February, the Rivers Assembly suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, easing tensions that had persisted for months.
The dispute had pitted the governor against his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The rift triggered significant political uncertainty and at one stage contributed to the imposition of a six-month emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
Observers say the governor’s conciliatory tone towards opposition lawmakers signals a possible shift towards reconciliation and institutional cooperation. With the bye-elections concluded and impeachment threats suspended, attention is now expected to turn to governance and policy delivery.
Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to inclusive leadership, stressing that the priority of his administration remains the development and stability of Rivers State, regardless of party affiliation within the legislature.
