Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained why he deliberately chose not to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu. According to Governor Fubara, his decision was guided by the belief that preserving peace and stability in Rivers State was far more important than engaging in political confrontations or legal battles during a delicate period for the state’s governance.
The governor emphasized that while political ambitions and rights are important, the wellbeing of the citizens and the continuity of governmental functions must take precedence. He described the six-month emergency period as a critical time requiring patience, restraint, and strategic thinking to ensure the people of Rivers were not unduly affected by political disputes.
Return to office
Governor Fubara, along with his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday after President Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency declaration. Their aircraft touched down at the Port Harcourt International Airport around noon, where they were met with an enthusiastic reception from supporters.
Crowds of residents, party loyalists, and well-wishers thronged the airport, singing, dancing, and waving flags as the governor’s convoy made its way through the city streets toward the Government House. The warm welcome was seen as a reflection of popular support for Fubara’s leadership and the hope for a peaceful and productive post-emergency era.
Assembly reconvenes
With the lifting of the emergency, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened after months of inactivity. Legislators immediately moved to resume their legislative functions, including demanding that Governor Fubara submit commissioner-nominees for screening, signaling a return to routine governance and oversight.
The plenary session, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, also called for the submission of the state’s Appropriation Bill, reflecting lawmakers’ intent to assess how funds were managed during the emergency period. Members emphasized the importance of accountability and pledged to establish a legislative agenda for the remainder of the Assembly’s tenure, ensuring that future policies and decisions align with the current realities of Rivers State politics.
Call for peace and reconciliation
In a broadcast statement to the people of Rivers State, Fubara acknowledged the challenges of the last six months but defended his decision to comply with President Tinubu’s directive. He described the compliance as a necessary sacrifice that ultimately served the interests of peace and stability in the state.
The governor praised President Tinubu for facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between himself, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the Assembly. He urged residents to embrace the reconciliation process and give it a chance to foster unity and constructive collaboration among political stakeholders.
Governor Fubara also pledged to redirect his focus entirely toward governance and service delivery, asserting that the needs and welfare of Rivers State residents remain his top priority. He committed to leveraging the post-emergency period to implement policies, improve infrastructure, and enhance social services, ensuring that Rivers citizens experience tangible benefits from effective leadership.
By choosing to prioritize peace over confrontation, Fubara stated that he hoped to set an example of responsible leadership, emphasizing that political disagreements should never overshadow the broader objective of societal stability and progress in Rivers State.