By Abiola Olawale
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This is as Fubara urged Rivers State residents to remain calm amidst the escalating political tension in the state fueled by soaring disagreement between himself and his immediate predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).
The New Diplomat reports that Tinubu during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, announced the immediate suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Tinubu’s declaration came after months of intense conflict between Fubara and factions believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State.
The President who cited what he called “the breakdown of governance and rising security threats” as justification for the emergency rule, proceeded to appoint Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator. Admiral Ibas is a former Chief of Navy Staff and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana.
Reacting to this latest development, the suspended governor expressed disappointment over the federal government’s intervention maintaining that his administration had prioritized peace, stability, and the welfare of Rivers residents despite ongoing political tensions.
“Since assuming office, my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath and a deep sense of duty. We have ensured the security of lives and property, paid salaries promptly, and executed projects to advance the state, even in the face of political disagreements,” Fubara stated in his press statement.
Below is the full text of the press statement by Fubara on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State:
My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance has continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects are being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
