Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has assured residents that his administration will prioritize peace, unity, and the people’s interests as governance resumes fully after six months of emergency rule.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Governor Fubara described the emergency period as “one of the most difficult chapters in the history of the state,” noting that his decision not to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency was borne out of sacrifice for peace.
“The President graciously brokered peace during this period, and we all accepted it, though not without the hard lessons learnt. The costly peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” Fubara said.
Appreciation to Tinubu and Leaders
The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for what he called a “fatherly intervention” that restored democratic governance in Rivers. He also acknowledged the role of former Governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and other stakeholders in sustaining peace during the crisis.
Call for Unity
Fubara emphasized that the task before leaders now is to set aside personal interests and work for the collective good of the state. He thanked the Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for their cooperation, stressing that his administration is ready to work with lawmakers to fast-track economic and social progress.
“Not everything is irretrievably lost. Opportunities remain ahead, and we must seize them together,” he added.
Governance to Resume
Recalling his administration’s achievements before the emergency rule, Fubara promised to resume funding ongoing projects across the state to ensure timely completion. He reassured residents that his government would rebuild trust and deliver on its mandate.
The governor further thanked Rivers people for their resilience, peaceful conduct, and prayers throughout the political turmoil.
Background
Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023 but soon clashed with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over political control of the state, leading to divisions within the House of Assembly.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and appointing retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator.
By June, Tinubu intervened directly, meeting with Fubara, Wike, and lawmakers, which paved the way for reconciliation. Ibas officially handed over power back to the governor on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
