Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State Governor has addressed the people of the state amid crisis in the state.
The Governor’s address came after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the situation in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening.
Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state. He also suspended the state Governor, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
The president nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the administrator of Rivers State.
Fubara in a statement, expressed his commitment to constitutional order and welfare of the state despite the situation.
The suspended Governor said every decision he has made since assuming office has been guided by his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
He added that his administration has prioritised the protection of lives and property while ensuring continuous progress in the state.
Fubara recounted how, following the intervention of the President to broker peace, his government promptly implemented the agreed terms in good faith.
The Governor noted that, despite persistent obstacles from members of the State House of Assembly, his administration remained resolute in maintaining security, paying salaries, and executing key projects to advance the state.
He urged the state citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding and assured that his administration would engage with all relevant institutions to strengthen democracy and secure a prosperous future for Rivers State.
The statement reads, “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.”
