Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the official end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state following political unrest earlier in the year. In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for restoring peace and democratic governance to the state.
The emergency rule, declared by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, followed intense political tensions in the state which threatened governance and security. During the period, democratic institutions were suspended, and federal authorities took over certain aspects of governance to restore order.
In his address, Governor Fubara described the last six months as “enormously challenging” for the people of Rivers State, but said he chose to cooperate with the federal government rather than oppose the emergency declaration.
“As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara noted that despite pressure from various quarters, he refused to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration in court, as his focus was on long-term peace and reconciliation.
He credited President Tinubu for successfully brokering peace among all parties involved in the political crisis, including the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and himself.
“Our leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State,” Fubara announced.
The governor stressed that political leaders in the state must now work together to ensure that the peace achieved becomes permanent. He urged all stakeholders to put aside differences and focus on rebuilding trust and governance.
Fubara reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, thanking him for his “fatherly intervention” and support throughout the crisis.
“I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted,” he said. “I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.”
While acknowledging the concerns of some citizens who remain skeptical about the peace process, Fubara said there is still room for healing, inclusion, and adjustment.
“Nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for continued reconciliation. We must all remember that the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he added.
Looking ahead, Fubara called for a fresh beginning and promised to resume work on ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, and healthcare that were affected during the political turbulence. He also assured Rivers people that no project will be abandoned and that economic recovery will be a priority.
The governor pledged to work closely with the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore full democratic governance and accelerate development.
“I commit to working harmoniously with the Assembly to recover lost grounds and improve the wellbeing of all Rivers people,” he said.
He also extended appreciation to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the National Assembly for their roles in resolving the crisis.
Fubara praised the people of Rivers State for their resilience, patience, and peaceful conduct during the emergency period. He thanked religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, youths, and political actors for their support.
He also acknowledged his predecessor and political rival, Nyesom Wike, for showing commitment to peace.
“I also thank our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse,” Fubara added.
The governor ended his address by calling on all Rivers people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic backgrounds, to join hands to rebuild the state.
“Let us rise above bitterness and division. Let us channel our energy into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State for all,” he concluded.
Governor Fubara’s broadcast marks a significant turning point in the state’s political journey, as Rivers begins a new chapter after months of uncertainty.
