Remain peaceful, law-abiding, Fubara urges Rivers Citizens

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order..."

BrandPower Magazine 14 hours agoLast Updated: 19/03/2025

3 minutes read

Remain peaceful, law-abiding, Fubara urges Rivers Citizens — Gov. Siminilayi Fubara of Rivers

Gov. Siminilayi Fubara of Rivers has urged the citizens in the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the state of emergency declared in the state.

Fubara made the remark in an address to the people of the state on Tuesday in Port Harcourt after the pronouncement of emergency rule on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

He said that his 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.

Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara, House of Assembly

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.

President Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for the state due to the unabated political crisis bedeviling the state.

He, however, appointed Vice Admiral Iboette Ibas to administer the state after suspending Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu as well as the elected members of the state Assembly.

FULL TEXT OF PRESS RELEASE BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF 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 great sense of duty.

We prioritized 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 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.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

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.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were 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