Fubara pledges cooperation after six-month state of emergency ends
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has addressed the people of the state in a statewide broadcast, reaffirming his commitment to peace and cooperation following the conclusion of a six-month-long state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on Friday evening, shortly after resuming full executive duties, Governor Fubara said he accepted the emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with both the President and the National Assembly, believing that it was a necessary sacrifice for the sake of peace, stability, and progress in Rivers State.
His statement signals a significant turning point in the state’s political crisis, which has gripped national attention over the past several months.
Governor chose dialogue over legal battle during crisis
Governor Fubara revealed that despite intense pressure from political supporters and constitutional experts to challenge the legality of the emergency declaration, he opted for dialogue and reconciliation.
“The last six months have been extremely challenging for us as a people,” he stated. “That is why I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions endured during this difficult period.”
The emergency rule, which included the suspension of the state legislature and other democratic institutions, was widely debated across legal and political circles. Fubara’s restraint, however, was driven by a higher goal — the preservation of peace in Rivers State.
Tinubu credited with brokering peace deal among political actors
Governor Fubara acknowledged the pivotal role of President Tinubu in resolving the crisis. According to him, the President successfully brokered a comprehensive peace agreement that brought together the major political actors involved in the crisis.
He disclosed that the resolution involved him, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“All parties have agreed to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State,” Fubara said.
Political crisis declared over, focus shifts to development
In his address, Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the political crisis is now firmly behind the state, and called on all stakeholders to focus on development and reconciliation.
“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,” he said.
He emphasized that the time for conflict is over, and the focus must now shift to governance, service delivery, and socio-economic development.
Call to action for state leaders and stakeholders
Governor Fubara issued a strong call to action, urging all arms of government, political leaders, and stakeholders to set aside personal interests and prioritize the welfare of the people.
“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,” he declared.
He further underscored the importance of preserving the fragile peace achieved through national intervention, noting that true progress can only occur in a stable and united environment.
“We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State,” he added.
Hope for lasting reconciliation and political maturity
Fubara’s broadcast comes at a critical juncture in Rivers State politics, following months of turbulence that saw the state’s institutions suspended, mass protests, and fears of escalating conflict. His message of reconciliation and maturity has been received with cautious optimism by political observers and residents alike.
By choosing unity over confrontation, and cooperation over litigation, Governor Fubara has signaled a commitment to rebuilding trust among leaders and restoring public confidence in democratic governance in the state.
With the emergency rule now lifted and democratic institutions restored, Rivers State enters a new phase — one that, if well-managed, could usher in lasting peace and renewed development for its citizens.
