In a statewide broadcast, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, addressed the good people of Rivers State, marking the end of the six-month emergency rule declared by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025.
Governor Fubara recalled that Rivers State was placed under a six-month emergency rule following the intense political crisis that shook the state.
He acknowledged that the period was “enormously challenging” but emphasized his decision to abide by the declaration in order to secure peace, stability, and progress.
The Governor explained that he resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions endured during the difficult period.
He praised the peace process brokered by President Tinubu, noting that he, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the state’s political leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, had all chosen to “bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation.”
Fubara declared that the political crisis was now behind the state and stressed that the responsibility rests with the Government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders and stakeholders to “work for the common good and advance the interests of our people above all else.”
Expressing deep gratitude, the Governor said:
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis and for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our State.”
He reaffirmed his “utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude” to President Tinubu and reassured citizens who remain skeptical of the peace process, stressing that “nothing has been irretrievably lost” and that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
Sir Fubara urged Rivers people to embrace the moment as a “fresh beginning,” pledging to continue inclusive governance.
He reminded citizens of the credible milestones achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors despite the turbulence of the past two years.
Looking forward, the Governor said his immediate priority was to return to governance and development by completing ongoing projects, reviving the economy, protecting lives and property, and improving wellbeing.
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He pledged to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly “to recover lost grounds and accelerate social and economic advancement,” while serving “with the fear of God, humility and a high sense of duty.”
Governor Fubara thanked the resilient people of Rivers State for their patience and peaceful conduct, as well as stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, political actors, women groups, youths, concerned citizens at home and abroad, and well-wishers for their support and prayers during the emergency.
He further appreciated Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, the National Assembly, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for their roles in resolving the crisis.
Calling for unity, he said:
“Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future.”
Governor Fubara concluded with gratitude to Almighty God, asking all Rivers citizens—regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation—to join hands in rebuilding the state.
“May God bless Rivers State and all its people. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.