Challenging But Progressive”: Fubara’s Bold Message Of Hope Ignites Rivers State

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has delivered a message of hope to the people of Rivers in commemoration of what would have marked the second anniversary of his tenure as the 7th democratically elected Governor of the state.

In a speech titled “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful!” delivered on Thursday, Fubara expressed gratitude to the citizens of Rivers for their trust and unwavering support, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to promoting democratic values and improving the overall welfare of the state’s populace.

The speech was released as an official statement and shared with journalists on Thursday morning by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

It is important to recall that Fubara’s administration was suddenly disrupted on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Citing ongoing political unrest, constitutional breaches, and security challenges including pipeline vandalism, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator to manage the state’s affairs during the emergency.

Ibas, who previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, pledged to restore law and order, stressing the need to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in Rivers.

The declaration of emergency rule in the state has sparked mixed reactions.

While some view it as a necessary step to restore order, others—including legal experts and political figures—have condemned the move as unconstitutional.

The Nigerian Bar Association has maintained that the declaration of a state of emergency does not warrant the suspension of elected officials.