The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for stepping in to stop what could have become a major crisis in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with leaders and members of the Simplified Movement in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Fubara noted that the situation in Rivers would have turned far worse without the president’s quick action. The meeting formed part of activities marking his two years in office.
Fubara recalled that it was President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, that brought the situation under control. In that broadcast, the president declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the growing conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers House of Assembly. He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to act as state administrator during the six-month emergency rule.
In a statement released by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara noted the president’s quick response as the reason peace was beginning to return to the troubled state. He urged his supporters to back the ongoing peace process, saying it was key to healing and progress.
He said, “We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.
“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you, the interest of the State is paramount.”
The suspended governor assured that democracy and good governance will soon return in the state, with both arms working together for the good of the people.
Fubara stated, “I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the Executive arm, but also Legislative arm.
“I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”
Fubara also admitted that reconciliation was ongoing with the aim of restoring both executive and legislative institutions. He called on those angry or disappointed with him to forgive, assuring them that his intentions were always to protect the peace of Rivers State.
He said: “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga”, about the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
While asserting that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve, the governor promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.
“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said.
He thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.
