Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Friday addressed citizens in a statewide broadcast, marking the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
Fubara acknowledged the difficulties faced during the period but said the sacrifice was necessary to restore peace.
“It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear State under the emergency rule,” he stated.
“As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency 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.”
He explained that despite pressure, he resisted challenging the legality of the emergency declaration or the suspension of democratic institutions.
The governor praised President Tinubu’s role in resolving the crisis, revealing that the President had successfully mediated peace among all parties, including former Governor Nyesom Wike, members of the State House of Assembly, and himself.
“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,” he said.
According to Fubara, the political crisis is now over, and peace and stability have been restored, though not without “hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.”
He stressed that responsibility now lies with political leaders, stakeholders, and institutions to safeguard the peace and prioritize the people’s welfare.
On behalf of the state, Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis and for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our State,” he said.
“Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.”
Addressing fears about the peace process, the governor reassured citizens that their concerns were valid but emphasized reconciliation.
“We must all remember the saying… the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he noted.
Fubara called on Rivers people to see the end of emergency rule as a fresh beginning, promising inclusiveness and development.
He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the past two years and pledged to complete ongoing projects, revive the economy, and improve security.
“I commit to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the social and economic advancement of our dear State. I also renew my pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility, and a high sense of duty,” he affirmed.
The governor concluded by thanking citizens for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the emergency period.
