Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara resumed office on Friday, describing the state’s six-month emergency rule, which suspended democratic governance, as a necessary sacrifice for peace. In a statewide broadcast following his return, the governor announced that he would not contest the declaration of the emergency rule, citing his commitment to maintaining stability within the state.
Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara resumed office on Friday, describing the state’s six-month emergency rule, which suspended democratic governance, as a necessary sacrifice for peace.
In a statewide broadcast following his return, the governor announced that he would not contest the declaration of the emergency rule, citing his commitment to maintaining stability within the state.
Fubara returned to the state with his deputy and the Chief of Staff two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency and ordered his reinstatement, receiving a warm welcome from supporters and cabinet members at Port Harcourt airport.
He resumed his position at the government house following President Tinubu’s announcement declaring the conclusion of the state of emergency. The President instructed the restoration of democratic governance in the state after six months under the emergency administration of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retired), who served as the sole administrator during that period.
A state of emergency was declared in response to an political dispute between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This conflict has resulted in political instability within the state, adversely affecting both the legislative branch and the management of shared resources.
Although the President attempted to mediate and address the political impasse, the situation continued, leading to damage to public infrastructure, including fires at the State House of Assembly complex and a pipeline in the oil-producing state.
In a statement signed on September 17, President Tinubu announced the conclusion of the emergency government, indicating that he believed the parties had reached an agreement toward reconciliation and the restoration of political stability in the state.
Although he was scheduled to return on Thursday alongside other state lawmakers to discuss the state’s next steps, Fubara postponed his return to the government house until Friday. During his address, he explained his decision to pursue peace and resolve recent violence in the state, following an agreement with his predecessor and the President.
Governor Fubara urged state political stakeholders to set aside differences and collaborate for the state’s progress and people’s welfare.
The full speech reads,
“My dear good people of Rivers State
Recall that Rivers State was placed under a six-month emergency rule, declared by Mr. President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the 18th of March, 2025, following the intense political crisis in our State.
“It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear State under the emergency rule. 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.
“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions that we endured during this difficult period. In the course of the six months, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully. 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.
“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule. The responsibility now rests squarely on us: the Government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders and stakeholders to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else. We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State.
“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. Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.
“To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness. We must all remember the saying… ” the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war”.
“Accordingly, let us, therefore, embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State. I assure you that we will continuously work towards ensuring that we carry everyone along.
“Despite the turbulence, you are aware of the credible milestones our administration achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years. Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects which we started by ensuring none of them is starved of funds or neglected, thereby reviving our economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the well-being of all Rivers people.
“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. I wish to sincerely thank you, the resilient people of Rivers State, for your patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.
