Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Governor Fubara disclosed his administration’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the continued progress of Rivers State.
The Governor’s statement comes in response to the political tensions that have gripped the state in recent weeks.
Fubara reassured citizens that his government would engage with all relevant institutions to ensure stability and the protection of democratic principles.
Fubara stated that since assuming office as Governor, all his actions and decisions have been guided by the constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
He said their priorities have always been the protection of lives and property, as well as ensuring the continuous progress of the State.
Fubara said his administration’s efforts to maintain peace and constitutional order, even in the face of political challenges.
He noted that his government had acted in good faith to implement peace agreements brokered by President Tinubu, including the reinstatement of commissioners who had previously resigned.
Fubara said immediately after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to broker peace, they did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith.
He said they also moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment to return the state to normalcy. These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in the State.
However, the Governor expressed frustration over what he described as persistent obstruction by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The statement read, “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 prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.”
He said, “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 on their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.”
According to him, “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,” he said.
Fubara said, “Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were 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,” he added.
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