Exclusive: Full Statement By Fubara On Restoring Governance And Peace In Rivers State

The Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has acknowledged that the six-month suspension and emergency rule imposed on the state were highly challenging.

Speaking in a statewide address on Friday, Fubara said he accepted the declaration of the state of emergency out of a conviction that no sacrifice is too great to ensure peace, stability, and progress in Rivers State.

He emphasized that the government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders, and stakeholders have set aside their differences to work for the collective good of the state.

Full Address:

My dear people of Rivers State,

As you recall, Rivers State was placed under a six-month emergency rule by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025, following an intense political crisis.

The past six months have been undeniably challenging. As your governor, I chose to cooperate with the President and the National Assembly, guided by the belief that no sacrifice is too great to secure peace, stability, and progress in our state.

During this period, I resisted pressure to legally challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, the suspension of democratic institutions, and other measures taken during this difficult time.

Throughout the six months, President Tinubu graciously mediated a peace process that brought all parties together. Our Leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I have embraced reconciliation and committed to peace in the best interests of Rivers State.

We believe the political crisis is now behind us, and peace and stability have been restored, though valuable lessons have been learned. The responsibility now lies with the government, political leaders, stakeholders, and all citizens to set aside differences, prioritize the common good, and safeguard the peace we have achieved.

On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, I extend heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive interventions and for restoring full democratic governance. I reaffirm my loyalty and eternal gratitude for his fatherly guidance.

To those who may still have concerns about the peace process, I assure you that nothing has been irretrievably lost. Opportunities for adjustments, reconciliation, and inclusiveness remain. As the saying goes, “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”

Let us seize this moment as a fresh beginning, working together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful, and prosperous Rivers State. We will continue to deliver the projects and initiatives that have earned your trust and support.

I commit to collaborating closely with the Rivers State House of Assembly to accelerate social and economic development while serving with humility, fear of God, and a strong sense of duty.

I sincerely thank the resilient people of Rivers State for your patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the emergency rule. I also extend appreciation to all stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, women and youth organizations, citizens at home and abroad, and well-wishers whose prayers and support sustained us.

Our unity as Rivers people is our greatest asset. We must rise above bitterness and division, rebuild trust, and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Once again, I thank President Tinubu, our Leader Nyesom Wike, the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the National Assembly, the Rivers State House of Assembly, elders, and stakeholders for their role in restoring peace and stability.

Finally, I call on all citizens of Rivers State, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding our beloved state and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone.

May God bless Rivers State and all its people.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.