Fubara to Rivers leaders: Let’s put aside our differences, work for common good

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Friday delivered an emotional state broadcast after resuming office, following the end of a six-month emergency rule imposed on the state.

Rivers State had been placed under emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu on 18 March, 2025, after a prolonged political crisis threatened stability in the state.

During that period, democratic institutions were suspended, and governance was placed under federal supervision.

Speaking upon his return, Fubara described the period as “enormously challenging” but said he chose the path of cooperation rather than confrontation.

“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with the President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that those sacrifices were too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he said.

The governor disclosed that he resisted mounting pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency rule.

“That was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the suspension of democratic institutions and other actions that we endured during the difficult period,” he explained.

Fubara praised President Tinubu’s intervention, crediting him with brokering a peace process among all warring factions.

“Our leader, His Excellency, the President, graciously broadcast the peace process with all the parties successfully. All members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I, as your governor, have accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” he said.

With governance restored, the governor declared that the onus now lies on leaders to sustain the fragile peace.

“The responsibility now rests squarely on us-the government, the State House of Assembly, the political leaders, the stakeholders, to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people. Above all else, we have a duty to ensure that the peace we have achieved remains permanent in our dear state.”

Acknowledging public concerns over the durability of the peace process, Fubara appealed for patience and inclusivity.

“I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There is ample opportunity for necessary adjustment, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness. We must now remember the saying: the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he declared.

The governor urged Rivers people to embrace the moment as “a fresh beginning,” pledging to rebuild trust and accelerate governance.

“You are aware of the credible milestones our administration achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years. Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects we started, reviving our economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the well-being of all Rivers people.”

Reaffirming his personal commitment, he added: “I also renew my pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility, and a high sense of duty. I wish to sincerely thank Mr President and the people of Rivers State for your patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.”