Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has declared the return of full democratic governance to the State, following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, to quell the political crisis in the State.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, September 19, Governor Fubara described the past six months as “enormously challenging,” but noted that the decisive intervention of President Tinubu restored peace, stability, and reconciliation among key political actors.
He disclosed that the peace process brokered by the President brought together himself, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the State House of Assembly, who have all agreed to “bury the hatchet and embrace peace.”
“Our responsibility now rests squarely on us the Government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders, and stakeholders to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else,” Fubara said.
The Governor expressed “utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude” to President Tinubu, while also thanking the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the National Assembly for their role in resolving the crisis.
Fubara assured Rivers people that governance and development would be prioritized, promising to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other key sectors.
“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” the Governor declared, urging Rivers people to embrace inclusiveness, reconciliation, and unity.
He commended citizens for their patience and resilience during the emergency period, while also acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and political actors who sustained the peace process.
Governor Fubara concluded with a call on all Rivers people, irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding the State.
“Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future,” he said.
