Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for restoring democratic governance in Rivers State after six months of emergency rule.
In a statewide broadcast, Fubara described the period as “enormously challenging” but said it offered lessons in peace, reconciliation, and collective responsibility.
He explained that he chose not to contest the constitutionality of the declaration but instead cooperated fully with the President and the National Assembly in the interest of stability.
“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.
The Governor confirmed that President Tinubu had successfully mediated peace among the warring factions, including former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and himself.
“Our Leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I, as your Governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State,” Fubara declared.
He called on political leaders, lawmakers, and stakeholders to ensure that the peace process remains permanent.
“The responsibility now rests squarely on us… to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else,” he said.
The Governor also addressed concerns about the peace deal, assuring residents that their fears were not misplaced.
“To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he said.
Fubara reaffirmed his loyalty to the President and pledged to accelerate governance and development projects, saying “Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.”
He further thanked the National Assembly leadership, the Rivers State House of Assembly, elders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens for their resilience and support during the emergency period.
“Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all,” the Governor said.
The state of emergency in Rivers Statd was declared on 18 March 2025 by President Tinubu after a political crisis paralysed governance in the state.
The President announced the end of the state of emergency on Wednesday, 17 September and Governor Fubara returned to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at 11:40 a.m. in the company of his wife, Ngozi; his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu; Edison Ehie, his chief of staff; and other appointees.
The Governor was received by former commissioners, local government chairmen, and other political leaders in the state.
- Tinubu Counters CPC Tag, Says Nigeria Protects All Faiths Equally - November 2, 2025
- Trump Labels Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern” Over Christian Persecution - November 1, 2025
- “Nigeria’s Security Remains in Capable Hands”, says Former CDS Gen. Musa at Farewell Parade - November 1, 2025