State of Emergency: Fubara Calls for Peace and Protection of Democracy

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called for peace and protection of democracy in response to the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press statement, Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, despite the ongoing political turmoil.

Fubara emphasized that his administration has prioritized the protection of lives and property, ensured the continuous progress of the state, and remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law. He also highlighted his efforts to implement peace agreements brokered by the presidency and comply with Supreme Court judgments to restore normalcy in the state.

The governor accused members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating his efforts to achieve lasting peace and progress. Despite this, Fubara assured that his administration has continued to provide good governance, paying salaries and executing projects to move the state forward.

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

Fubara’s statement comes after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state.