Governor Siminilayi Fubara has appealed to the people of Rivers State to remain calm and law-abiding after President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in the state. This decision follows a period of intense political crises that led to attempts to impeach the governor.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to constitutional governance and the well-being of Rivers residents despite the ongoing political turmoil. He stressed that, even amid the impasse, his administration had remained dedicated to upholding the rule of law and prioritizing the interests of the people.
“The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch,” Governor Fubara said. He further highlighted his determination to continue focusing on the development and prosperity of the state, which remains a key player in Nigeria’s economy due to its oil resources.
Rivers State has faced significant political turbulence in recent months, with a series of disagreements between Governor Fubara’s administration and the state legislature, especially the Rivers State House of Assembly. Tensions escalated to the point of impeachment attempts against the governor, which worsened the political atmosphere.
At the heart of the unrest was a failure to agree on several key issues, including governance, local administration, and the control of resources. The state has experienced political instability before, but the current crisis has become particularly alarming, attracting the attention of national leaders, including President Tinubu.
Amid the mounting tension, the federal government intervened to broker peace, calling for a resolution to the disputes and the restoration of order. In line with this, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. Tinubu also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state, tasked with overseeing governance during this period.
Despite the federal intervention, Governor Fubara expressed his commitment to peace and order in his statement. He acknowledged the ongoing political impasse but emphasized that his government had always prioritized constitutional order and the welfare of Rivers residents.
“We have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” Fubara said. He explained that his administration had taken steps to implement peace agreements brokered by the presidency, including reinstating commissioners who had previously resigned and complying with the Supreme Court’s judgment to restore normalcy in the state.
Fubara noted, however, that efforts for peace had been thwarted by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He accused the lawmakers of frustrating his administration’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and progress. Despite these challenges, the governor stressed that his administration continued to focus on security, infrastructure development, and the well-being of civil servants, with salaries being paid on time and significant projects underway.
“The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch. Rivers people have always been resilient, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he added.
Governor Fubara’s statement also addressed the priorities of his administration, which remain focused on the security of lives and property, as well as the advancement of development projects to benefit Rivers residents. He emphasized that despite the political disagreements, essential services continued without interruption.
His administration had been focused on several key areas, including improving infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and ensuring that civil servants received their salaries on time. “Good governance has continued. Salaries have been paid, and great projects are being executed to move the state forward,” Fubara affirmed.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers comes as a response to the persistent political crises in the state. The president’s decision is seen as a necessary measure to restore order and ensure that the state’s administration is functioning in a way that serves the interests of the people.
The intervention by the federal government highlights the severity of the political crisis in Rivers, where the state legislature had taken actions that seemed to undermine the stability of the government. Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly signals the president’s commitment to resolving the crisis by removing the local leadership that had been at the heart of the political disputes.
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator is expected to bring stability to the state’s administration. Ibas, a retired naval officer, is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day governance of Rivers State during the emergency period, with a focus on restoring order, security, and governance.
In his statement, Governor Fubara urged Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, despite the political tensions. He emphasized that the state’s future depended on the collective efforts of its residents to maintain calm and work towards a resolution that would ensure the continued progress of the state.
“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” the governor said. “We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
Fubara’s call for unity comes at a critical time, as the State of Emergency could further escalate political tensions in Rivers State. However, his message to the people of the state is one of hope, urging them to remain steadfast in their belief in democracy and the rule of law.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how long the State of Emergency will last in Rivers and whether the federal government’s intervention will lead to a lasting solution to the state’s political crisis. The people of Rivers State will be watching closely, as the decision could set a precedent for future interventions in other states facing similar political unrest.
For now, Governor Fubara’s call for peace and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator are the key developments in the ongoing situation. Whether this intervention will lead to a resolution of the crisis or further deepen political divisions in the state is yet to be seen.
In the meantime, the focus is on maintaining stability, securing lives and property, and ensuring that Rivers State’s governance continues to function, despite the challenges it faces. As Governor Fubara has urged, the resilience of Rivers people will be tested, but with patience and wisdom, the state hopes to overcome this difficult chapter in its political history.