By Precious Akutamadu
Gov. Siminilayi Fubara has insisted that Rivers was safe, secured and peaceful under his watch. Fubara said this on Tuesday in an address to the people of Rivers state on Tuesday in Port Harcourt after the pronouncement of emergency rule on the state by President Bola Tinubu.
The Governor who urged the people of of Rivers to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the state of emergency rule declared in the state added that his that administration had been guided by ‘’his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty’’ since his assumption of office as the Governor of Rivers.
Fubara said that he had prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of the 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.
According to him, they moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately he received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
He stated that 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,” he explained.
He expressed that the priorities of his administration remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Fubara noted that though there was political disagreements in the state, good governance had continued, salaries were being paid, and great projects executed to move the state forward.
He stated that in all, the state was safe, secured and peaceful under his watch.
Fubara said that Rivers people had always been resilient people, and would continue to face the situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and the Rivers State continues to thrive,” Fubara said.
In a national broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, following the lingering political crisis in the state.
The President said it had become compelling for him to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers with effect from March 18.
Tinubu, through the declaration, suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Gov., Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers for a period of six-month.
The President, therefore, nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the stated during the period.
