Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he refused to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu because he wanted to protect peace and stability.
Fubara made this known on Friday during a statewide broadcast after his return to Government House, Port Harcourt, following the end of the six-month emergency rule.
“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 the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he said.
The governor said he resisted pressure from his supporters to go to court.
“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of the state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and all other actions that we endured during the difficult period,” he added.
Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, returned to the state on Thursday to a heroic welcome. Supporters, including former commissioners and local politicians, gathered at the Port Harcourt International Airport to receive him.
At the Government House, jubilant crowds danced and sang as the governor’s convoy arrived. Workers also joined in the celebrations, marking his first day back after six months.
The crisis in Rivers had pitted Fubara against his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, splitting the state House of Assembly and sparking violence. Tinubu later imposed emergency rule, appointing Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator.
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President Tinubu lifted the rule on Wednesday, ordering Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly to return to office.
Fubara commended Tinubu for his role in restoring peace.
“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, all members of 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.
He also appealed to residents who remain doubtful.
“To those who have expressed genuine fear, frustration and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he said.
Fubara promised to focus fully on governance and service delivery now that peace has returned.
“The bond with Rivers continues,” he told supporters at the Government House.