Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has responded to the state of emergency declared in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On Tuesday evening, Tinubu announced the emergency measure in a nationwide broadcast, citing the need to restore law and order. As part of the declaration, he suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state administrator.
Following his suspension, Fubara addressed the people of Rivers State, urging them to remain calm and law-abiding during this challenging period.
In his speech, the governor expressed his commitment to upholding constitutional order, emphasizing that all his decisions since taking office had been in the best interest of the people.
He acknowledged the political tensions in the state but maintained that his administration had prioritized security, governance, and the well-being of Rivers residents.
Read full speech below:
BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE
My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
