On Friday, May 16, the Rivers Peace Congress (RPC) declared that the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has successfully averted total political collapse in Rivers State, praising the move as bold, timely, and necessary to preserve democracy and public order.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade Randy Prince, RPC’s National President, the group argued that the President’s intervention—suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointing a Sole Administrator—was crucial in stabilizing a state they described as teetering on the edge of anarchy.
“The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State came at a time when the very fabric of governance was at risk,” the statement read.
“We had a governor who defied court orders, ignored constitutional checks, and appeared more interested in fighting perceived enemies than in governing.”
RPC accused Governor Fubara of legislative defiance, administrative paralysis, and fostering a climate of political vengeance that threatened the rule of law and effective governance. They said Tinubu’s decisive action has restored calm, reinvigorated public service, and reactivated institutions.
“Rivers people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed. Markets have reopened without fear of politically motivated violence. Civil servants are receiving their salaries without stories. The ministries are working, and public projects have resumed.”
The group also commended Sole Administrator Ibas, describing him as a “bridge builder” focused on inclusion, healing, and results—not on political battles.
“He’s not chasing headlines or fighting ghosts. He’s focused on restoring service delivery, rebuilding institutions, and giving Rivers people a sense of belonging again.”
Acknowledging that critics have described the president’s intervention as undemocratic, the RPC insisted the move was a necessary constitutional safeguard to prevent complete state failure.
“Let us be honest with ourselves, Rivers State was sinking into a constitutional crisis. The judiciary was under siege. The state assembly had become a theatre of war. The governor, by his conduct, isolated himself from elders and even the rule of law.”
In a pointed message to the international community, RPC urged context over criticism, reminding observers that “extraordinary times often require extraordinary decisions.”
“Those who are shouting dictatorship from afar did not live here when government offices were under siege and 26 lawmakers were locked out of the assembly… We are here, and we can say that the emergency has helped us take a breath and start afresh.”
The group called on Rivers elites, traditional rulers, and the business community to rally behind the Sole Administrator and support the federal government’s roadmap to full reconciliation and a return to democratic governance.
“This is not the time to divide the state further; this is the time for healing. The Tinubu administration has shown that it has the genuine interest of Rivers at heart. Let us work with it.”
