By Ogochukwu Isioma
Following the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the people of Rivers to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in a nationwide broadcast, Tuesday, and announced a new administrator, a retired military chief, for the state.
Reacting to the development, Fubara vowed to engage with all relevant institutions “to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.”
The suspended governor insisted that all his actions and decisions, since assuming office, have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
According to Fubara, even in the face of the political impasse, he had remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of the people above all else.
Fubara said, “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.”
