Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged residents of Rivers State to remain peaceful and law-abiding following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
The suspension comes amid an escalating political crisis that has led the president to declare a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
The crisis, which has been brewing for months, stems from a fierce power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The rift has divided the state’s political structure, with lawmakers loyal to Wike opposing Fubara’s administration at every turn.
The situation intensified when the Supreme Court ruled on the legitimacy of legislative changes affecting the state. Fubara, in a bid to restore peace, attempted to implement the court’s judgment, but he alleged that members of the state House of Assembly loyal to Wike obstructed his efforts.
In a statement titled “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State”, which he personally signed on Tuesday night, Fubara expressed disappointment at the political standoff, saying, “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.”
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He reiterated his commitment to governance despite the crisis, adding, “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.”
Amid rising tensions, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing concerns over security and governance. The move followed failed peace efforts, including a presidential intervention that initially brokered a reconciliation deal between Fubara and his political opponents.
Fubara claimed that he had acted in good faith, implementing the agreed terms by reinstating commissioners who had resigned. He further stated, “We moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.”
However, he lamented that his administration’s efforts to foster peace were met with resistance. “Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult,” he said.
Despite the political storm, Fubara assured Rivers residents that his government had continued to function. “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.”
As uncertainty looms over the future of Rivers State, Fubara called on residents to remain calm, promising to engage with relevant institutions to uphold democracy. “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.”
With the state of emergency in place, political analysts say the coming weeks will determine the fate of governance in Rivers State. The battle for control is far from over, but for now, the governor is appealing for patience, resilience, and faith in the democratic process.