By John Umeh
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, formally resumed office yesterday following the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state. In his first statewide broadcast, the governor pledged unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stressing his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Fubara disclosed that despite strong pressure, he deliberately chose not to challenge the legality of the emergency rule declaration in court, saying his decision was guided by a desire to avoid further conflict and to safeguard the stability of Rivers State.
“As your Governor, I accepted the state of emergency and worked with the President and National Assembly because I believed no sacrifice is too great for the peace, progress, and stability of our dear state,” he said.
He commended President Tinubu for mediating the peace process between the warring political factions in Rivers, which included himself, Wike, and the State Assembly. According to him, the agreement reached has paved the way for peace, and he assured the people that the political crisis is now behind them.
The governor called on all stakeholders — including the Rivers State House of Assembly, political leaders, and citizens — to work collectively for lasting peace and progress. “We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have embraced remains permanent,” he added.
Fubara also expressed gratitude to the National Assembly leaders and the Rivers State lawmakers for their roles in resolving the crisis, as well as to the people of the state for their patience and resilience throughout the period of emergency rule.
He pledged to refocus his administration on governance, promising to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. He further assured harmonious collaboration with the State Assembly to accelerate the state’s development.
Upon his return, Governor Fubara was received at the Port Harcourt International Airport by a jubilant crowd of supporters, alongside his wife, Valerie Fubara, and top government officials. Clad in blue jeans and a fez cap, he acknowledged the cheering crowd before heading to Government House, where he later addressed the state.
