By Deborah Nnamdi
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday, addressed the people of the state in a statewide broadcast, marking his official return to duty following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March 2025.
Fubara acknowledged the difficult months the state endured under emergency rule but praised the intervention of President Tinubu in brokering peace among warring political leaders.
“The last six months have been enormously challenging for our dear state under the emergency rule. However, peace and stability have now returned to Rivers State, though not without hard lessons,” the governor said.
He explained that despite pressures to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, he chose cooperation over confrontation to safeguard peace and stability. According to him, the peace process was successful, with all parties — including himself, former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the State House of Assembly — agreeing to reconciliation.
The governor expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as “a fatherly disposition and decisive intervention” in resolving the crisis and restoring democratic governance in the state.
“Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude,” Fubara declared.
He assured Rivers people that governance would now take centre stage, promising to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors. He also pledged to work harmoniously with the State House of Assembly to “recover lost grounds” and accelerate socio-economic development.
Fubara thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the period of emergency rule. He also commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, political actors, youths, and women’s groups for their support and prayers.
“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and rebuild trust to secure a prosperous Rivers State,” he said.
The governor also appreciated Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the National Assembly for their roles in resolving the political impasse.
He ended his broadcast with a call for unity: “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.”
The governor concluded by giving thanks to God, praying for Rivers State and Nigeria.
