Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said his refusal to legally contest the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu was motivated by the need to safeguard peace and stability in the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, shortly after officially resuming duties following the suspension of the emergency rule, Fubara said he deliberately chose cooperation over confrontation during the crisis.
“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability and progress of Rivers State,” he stated.
The governor explained that he resisted pressure to challenge “the constitutionality of the declaration of the state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and other actions endured during the difficult period.”
Fubara commended President Tinubu for successfully mediating between stakeholders, which led to reconciliation among himself, former governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“In the course of this six months period, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully. Our leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I, as your governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration would now focus on consolidating peace, rebuilding trust, and accelerating development after months of political tension.
“There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, reconciliation, and inclusiveness. Let us remember the saying: the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” Fubara noted.
He urged Rivers people to embrace “a fresh beginning” and work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger and more peaceful state.
