By Solomon OKPO
RIVERS, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured the people of Rivers State that peace and stability have returned following the end of the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March 2025.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Governor Fubara described the period of emergency as “enormously challenging,” but commended the intervention of President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and key political leaders for restoring democratic governance in the state.
The governor noted that he had resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency rule, choosing instead to cooperate with federal authorities in the interest of peace and stability. “No sacrifice was too great to secure the progress of Rivers State,” Fubara said.
He disclosed that President Tinubu successfully brokered reconciliation among himself, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to the resolution of the political crisis that had rocked the state.
“The responsibility now rests squarely on us—the government, the 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,” Fubara declared.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions,” pledging loyalty and continued partnership with the federal government. He also appreciated Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and other leaders who played roles in resolving the crisis.
Addressing fears about the durability of the peace process, Fubara assured citizens that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war” and urged them to embrace reconciliation as a fresh beginning.
Looking ahead, he pledged to focus on completing ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors while working harmoniously with the State Assembly to accelerate socio-economic development.
Governor Fubara also thanked Rivers people for their patience, resilience, and peaceful conduct during the emergency rule, calling on all—regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation—to unite in rebuilding the state.
“Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future,” he said.
The broadcast ended with prayers for Rivers State and Nigeria.
