By RIVERS State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to governance as the state officially exits a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara described the emergency period as “enormously challenging” but insisted it had delivered lasting lessons and paved the way for peace.
“I accepted to abide by the declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” the Governor said.
The emergency rule, triggered by a political crisis, suspended democratic institutions and polarised political actors in the state.
However, Fubara confirmed that the peace process brokered by President Tinubu had succeeded, with himself, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly agreeing to “bury the hatchet.”
“The political crisis is now behind us and peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt,” Fubara assured.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” and reaffirmed his loyalty, adding: “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
Looking ahead, the Governor pledged to refocus his administration on development projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy, while working harmoniously with the State Assembly to “recover lost grounds.”
He thanked Rivers people for their patience and resilience during the difficult period, calling on all citizens to rise above bitterness and division.
“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. Let us embrace this moment as a fresh beginning,” Fubara declared.
The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups in resolving the impasse.
“May God bless Rivers State and all its people. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
What's your reaction?
