Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding while reaffirming his commitment to constitutional order and the well-being of the state.
In a press statement on Monday, Fubara expressed disappointment over the political crisis in Rivers, describing it as an unfortunate moment in the state’s history.
The embattled governor noted that, despite the ongoing political tensions, his administration had remained focused on protecting lives and property while ensuring progress in the state.
He emphasised that, following President Tinubu’s earlier intervention to broker peace, his government acted in good faith by reinstating commissioners who had resigned and swiftly implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment to restore normalcy.
However, he accused members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating efforts to achieve lasting peace, making governance increasingly difficult.
Fubara called on Rivers people to remain resilient, adding that his administration would continue to engage relevant institutions to uphold democracy and ensure the state’s progress.
The governor concluded by invoking divine blessings on Rivers State and Nigeria.
SEE THE FULL TEXT BELOW:
Press Statement by Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara on the State of Emergency Declared in 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 profound sense of duty.
We prioritised 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 interests 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 of their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement as soon as we received the certified true copy of the judgement, to restore normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gain 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 remain the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance has continued, salaries have been paid, and significant projects are 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.
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